Cost of Living: Savannah, GA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Savannah

Georgia
84
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Savannah is 7% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,302/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 3%
$56,782/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 56%
$225,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 12%
$1,257/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 19%
147,546
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Savannah, GA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $31,534/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Savannah is $225,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah vs Elgin — common questions

Is Savannah or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Savannah and Elgin?
Median rent in Savannah is $1,302/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Savannah or Elgin?
Median household income is $56,782 in Savannah and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $31,534/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Savannah or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Savannah has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,302/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Savannah details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Savannah and Elgin

Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont