Cost of Living: Savannah, GA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Savannah

Georgia
84
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Savannah and Athens have a similar cost of living.

$1,302/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 11%
$56,782/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 9%
$225,200 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 21%
$1,257/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 7%
147,546
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Savannah, GA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $5,127/year higher in Savannah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Savannah is $225,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah vs Athens — common questions

Is Savannah or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Savannah and Athens?
Median rent in Savannah is $1,302/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Savannah or Athens?
Median household income is $56,782 in Savannah and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $5,127/year higher in Savannah.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Georgia?
Both cities are in Georgia and share the same state tax rates: 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Savannah or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Savannah has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,302/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Savannah details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Savannah and Athens

Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley