Cost of Living in Savannah, GA [2024]
Steeped in history and Southern charm, Savannah offers a unique blend of cobblestone streets, moss-draped trees, and a vibrant cultural scene. But beyond its undeniable beauty, it's natural to wonder about the practicalities of living in Savannah, particularly the cost of living.
This blog post dives into the details, exploring the average costs associated with essential expenses like housing, transportation, childcare, and groceries in Savannah. We'll provide insights into how these costs can vary depending on your family size and lifestyle choices, empowering you to make informed decisions about your potential move to this Southern gem.
A note on data: Unless otherwise stated, rental prices come from our national database of rental estimates, which we update monthly in order to provide you with the latest information about the cost of rent across the country. Living wage scores (child care, transportation, groceries, and fitness) come from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator. Finally, cost of living estimates based on national averages come from BestPlaces.net.
Cost of Living in Savannah, GA
What Is the Cost of Living in Savannah, GA?
Currently, 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 as well, making it a great option for renters looking for an affordable metro area. Let’s look at how this cost of living chart from BestPlaces.net breaks down by category:
| Categories | Savannah | Georgia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90.2 | 94.5 | 100 |
| Grocery | 96.9 | 95.5 | 100 |
| Health | 95.8 | 99.8 | 100 |
| Housing | 72.4 | 82.4 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $260,000 | $308,200 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 103.2% | 103.2% | 100% |
| Transportation | 89.2 | 105.1 | 100 |
| Misc | 102.8 | 83.8 | 100 |
Overall cost of living scores are a good place to start, but they only provide a general sense of how much it really costs to live in a city. So let’s look at rent prices, salary estimates, utilities, and other major necessities to get an idea of how affordable Savannah is.
How Much Is Rent in Savannah, GA?
As of February 2024, the current average price of rent in Savannah for bedrooms of all sizes was $1,441 per month. This is slightly higher than the state average of $1,315 per month.
How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Savannah, GA?
A one-bedroom apartment in Savannah will cost, on average, around $1,208 per month, which is about the same as the state average of $1,234.
How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Savannah?
In Savannah, Georgia, a two-bedroom apartment costs about $1,411 per month, which is slightly higher than the state average of $1,243 a month.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Savannah, GA?
If a one-bedroom apartment costs $1,208 a month, and you use a standard rule of budgeting that says your rent should not exceed 30% of your monthly income, then you would want to earn around $4,027 a month, or around $48,324 a year in order to afford a one-bedroom apartment.
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 parents with two kids would each need to earn $40.69 an hour.
How Much Are Utilities in Savannah, GA?
While we don’t have direct census data for Savannah, the cost of utilities for renters in Georgia averages $256.17 per month, which is on par with the national average of $253.14. Utilities include electricity, fuel, water, and gas.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $170.06 |
| Water | $36.91 |
| Gas | $48.14 |
| Fuel | $1.07 |
| All | $256.17 |
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. This can vary depending on the type of childcare you choose, such as daycare, in-home care, or preschool.
It's important to note that the cost of childcare can increase significantly with multiple children. In Savannah, the average annual cost of childcare for two children is $15,007. This can be a major strain on a family's budget, so it's important to factor this cost in when planning for a family.
How Much Is Transportation in Savannah?
The cost of transportation in Savannah, GA, can vary significantly depending on your family size and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of the average annual costs:
- For a single adult with no children: According to MIT, the estimated cost of transportation is around $9,865 per year. This can include expenses like car payments, gas, car insurance, maintenance, and public transportation usage.
- For a family of two adults and two children: The average annual cost jumps to $16,547. 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. Here's a look at what you can expect:
- Minimum cost for an individual: According to Numbeo, the minimum cost of groceries for a single person in Savannah is estimated to be around $387.26 per month, which translates to $4,647.12 per year. This assumes a basic diet of 2400 calories per day.
- Similarly, MIT estimates that a single adult will spend around $4,382 per year on groceries in Savannah.
- Cost for a family: Grocery costs can rise significantly for families. MIT estimates that a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) will spend an average of $12,880 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. For instance, a popular local gym called Fit charges a one-time fee of $100 and then $50 a month for an individual membership. Fit boasts small class sizes and beautiful facilities. Planet Fitness, on the other hand, offers packages as low as $10 a month in Savannah.
Find Your Next Apartment in Savannah, GA
The cost of living in Savannah, GA, can vary significantly depending on your individual needs and lifestyle choices. While factors like childcare and transportation can add up, the city offers a charming and vibrant atmosphere that many find appealing.
By carefully considering your budget and incorporating cost-saving strategies, Savannah can be an affordable place to call home. Whether you're a single individual or a family, understanding the average costs associated with housing, transportation, groceries, and other essentials can help you make informed decisions about living in this historic and beautiful city.
Ready to explore your options in Savannah? Check out our latest listings for apartments and experience the unique charm that Savannah has to offer!
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