Cost of Living: Savannah, GA vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Savannah

Georgia
84
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Savannah is 4% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,302/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 7%
$56,782/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 20%
$225,200 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 4%
$1,257/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 7%
147,546
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Savannah, GA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $11,171/year higher in Savannah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Savannah is $225,200 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Savannah or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Savannah and Gainesville?
Median rent in Savannah is $1,302/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Savannah or Gainesville?
Median household income is $56,782 in Savannah and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $11,171/year higher in Savannah.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Savannah or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Savannah has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,302/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Savannah details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Savannah and Gainesville

Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia