Cost of Living: Savannah, GA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Savannah

Georgia
84
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Savannah is 5% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,302/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 11%
$56,782/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 2%
$225,200 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 8%
$1,257/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 7%
147,546
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Savannah, GA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $1,129/year higher in Savannah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Savannah is $225,200 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Savannah slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah vs Columbia — common questions

Is Savannah or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Savannah and Columbia?
Median rent in Savannah is $1,302/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Savannah or Columbia?
Median household income is $56,782 in Savannah and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $1,129/year higher in Savannah.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and South Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Savannah or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Savannah has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,302/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Savannah details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Savannah and Columbia

Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids