Cost of Living in Savannah, GA [2025]

Steeped in history and Southern charm, Savannah offers a unique blend of cobblestone streets, moss-draped trees, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Newcomers head to Savannah for its southern charm, vibrant history, and access to beaches and nearby cities. But how affordable is it and what should you plan in your budget?

If you're thinking about making the move south and are wondering about the cost of living in Savannah, we did all the leg work for you. We dove into all of the details and explored the average costs associated with essential expenses, including housing, transportation, childcare, and groceries in Savannah.

Cost of Living in Savannah

What Is the Cost of Living in Savannah?

Savannah is cheaper than nearby, coastal cities like Charleston. The cost of living in Savannah is 9.8% lower than the rest of the United States on average, and 5.6% lower than the state average, making it a great option for renters looking for an affordable metro area.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Savannah?

Savannah, GA, is less expensive than areas like Charleston, SC but are still pricey. The most expensive neighborhood in Savannah is Skidway Island where an apartment rents for over $2,500 on up to $4,000.

Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Savannah?

Savannah isn't the most affordable area of Georgia, but there are relatively cheap neighborhoods to choose from. Look to Garden City in Savannah for apartments that rent for under $1,200.

How Much Is Rent in Savannah?

Our latest data in July 2024 shows that the average rental price for a one bedroom apartment in Charleston runs $2,282 a month. If you're planning to expand your search to cities near Savannah, here's what to expect to the average rents to help plan your budget.

How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Savannah?

If you hope to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Savannah, you'll spend an average of $1,811 a month. That figure reflects a national trend of rents slightly declining.

How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Savannah?

If you need space for a roommate or a family, a two-bedroom apartment costs about $2,111 a month. Like one-bedroom apartments, this figure shows a slight decline in month-over-month rents.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Savannah, GA?

It's important to figure out what kind of salary you need to live relatively comfortable in Savannah. If a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,811 a month, and you use a standard rule of budgeting that says your rent should not exceed 30% of your monthly income. Aim to earn around $6,037 a month or $72,440 a year in order to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Savannah.

Another way to figure out salary requirements is using MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, which looks at the most common household expenses and uses them to estimate how much you would need to earn per hour in order to live. MIT estimates that a single adult with no children would need to earn $22.61 in Savannah, while two working adults with a child would each need to earn $36.21 an hour.

As one of the top 20 cities in the U.S. that people are moving to for its job market, Savannah boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.9%. Major employers include the Memorial Health University Medical Center, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. The U.S. Census Bureau also estimates the household income in Savannah is $54,748, which is much lower than the national average of $74,580. However, an annual salary of $54,748 is about $26.35 an hour, which is above the living wage in Savannah. If you need more breathing room in your budget, finding a roommate, looking for a side hustle, or living on the outskirts of the city could be a more budget-friendly choice.

How Much Are Utilities in Savannah, GA?

Utilities take up a portion of your income when you live in Savannah. Summers are hot and humid and you should account for higher energy costs when the heat hits its peak. The cost of utilities for renters in Savannah averages $198.56 per month, which is lower than the national average of $253.14. Utilities include electricity, fuel, water, and gas. If you add on Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), you'll spend another $86.71, which raises your monthly utilities to $285.27.

How Much Is Child Care in Savannah, GA?

The cost of childcare is a significant factor for many families, and Savannah, GA, is no exception. The average annual cost of childcare for one child in Savannah according to MIT is $7,503. That price rises to $15,003 for two children. What you pay will vary depending on the type of childcare you choose, such as daycare, in-home care, or preschool. The strain on your budget is real, making it important to plan ahead or look for creative options, like nanny shares or a flexible, remote schedule to work around your child's needs at home.

How Much Is Transportation in Savannah?

The cost of transportation in Savannah, GA, can vary significantly depending on your family size and lifestyle. For a single adult with no children: According to MIT, the estimated cost of transportation is around $10,391 per year, which is higher than similar sized cities. This can include expenses like car payments, gas, car insurance, maintenance, and public transportation usage.

For a family of two adults and one child, the average annual cost jumps to $15,148. This increase can be attributed to factors like needing a larger vehicle, increased gas consumption due to more passengers, and potentially needing additional car seats or transportation for children's activities.

How Much Are Groceries in Savannah?

The cost of groceries in Savannah, GA, can vary depending on your dietary needs, shopping habits, and family size. MIT estimates that a single adult will spend around $360.83 per month, which translates to $4,330 per year on groceries in Savannah. Grocery costs can rise significantly for families. MIT estimates that a family of four (2 adults and one child) will spend an average of $9,882 per year on groceries in Savannah. This is more than double the cost for a single individual, highlighting the impact of additional family members on grocery expenses.

Savannah Fitness & Entertainment

Gym memberships in Savannah are comparable to much of the rest of the country, and can also vary widely. According to Numbeo, you can expect to pay an average of $60.67 a month for an individual membership. You can lower your costs by looking for an apartment with an on-site fitness center pool access that's included in your rent. If you like to relax with a movie after a workout or long day at work, you'll spend about $12 for tickets to the local cinema. That number doesn't reflect snacks, drinks, and extras.

Find Your Next Apartment in Savannah, GA

With all our data in hand, you can start your Savannah apartment hunt with this quiz! If you want to save money on your next apartment, check out our round-up of cheap apartments in Charleston.

FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in Savannah 2024

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Savannah?

We recommend following the 30% rule when renting a one-bedroom apartment in Savannah. If your rent is $1,811 a month, you should earn a salary of $72,440 a month or $6,037 a month. You can also look look over MIT data’s living wage in Savannah of of $24.35 an hour. This figure is the bare minimum to live comfortably in Savannah and pay your bills, but does not account for savings, extras, travel, or student loan debt.

Where is the most affordable place to live in Savannah?

If you're looking for an affordable apartment in Savannah, consider moving to Garden City in Savannah. You'll find some apartments listed for under $1,200 a month.

What is the average electric bill in Savannah?

You'll pay an average of $198.56 per month in Savannah, but that figure can vary dramatically depending on the season. Winters are typically rainy, mild, and damp in Savannah. Once summer hits, you'll want to turn up your air conditioning to combat the heat and humidity. Get tips on figuring out your own utility costs and how to efficiently budget for them.