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

Savannah

Georgia
84
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Savannah and Lakeland have a similar cost of living.

$1,302/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ≈ Same
$56,782/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 7%
$225,200 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 2%
$1,257/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 9%
147,546
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Savannah, GA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,165/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Savannah is $225,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Savannah or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Savannah and Lakeland?
Median rent in Savannah is $1,302/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Savannah or Lakeland?
Median household income is $56,782 in Savannah and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $4,165/year higher in Lakeland.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Savannah has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,302/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Savannah details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Savannah and Lakeland

Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon