Cost of Living in Savannah, GA: A Homebuyer's Guide to Savannah Living Cost & Home Prices
Known as the Hostess City of the South, Savannah is a lovely city that offers something for everyone. Before moving here, though, knowing the cost of living in Savannah is beneficial since it can vary depending on where you choose to settle. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll share some general facts about living expenses in Savannah in this article. Summary: Cost of Living in Savannah, GA Other Living Expenses in Savannah, GA Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Savannah Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Savannah Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Savannah Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Savannah Tax Rates in the Savannah Area Recreation Costs in Savannah, Georgia Average Salary in Savannah Average Cost to Build a New Home in Savannah by Neighborhood As of November 2023, the average cost of living in Savannah, GA, is 10% less than the national average, according to PayScale® and RentCafe®. The Council for Community and Economic Research cites Savannah’s cost of living index at 89.9, based on third-quarter 2022 data. This information can fluctuate, so checking for updated figures is wise as you get closer to your move date. Savannah’s living cost also depends, in part, on your salary and lifestyle expenses. Expatistan® estimates the monthly cost of living in Savannah, GA, for one person is $2,400 and $4,900 for a household of four, based on information contributed to the site in December 2023. No matter where you are, whether it's a district, suburb, or island, Savannah has so many restaurants you can find a place to eat that's perfect for you. Whether you're in the mood for fancy fine dining and drinks or some good old Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits, there's something for every taste and budget. RentCafe finds Savannah residents pay 2% more for groceries than the Georgia state average but 3% less than the national average as of November 2023. Another source, PayScale, differs slightly and puts Savannah’s groceries at 5% lower than the national average for the same time period. Here are some examples of RentCafe’s 2023 pricing for standard grocery items: A loaf of bread costs $3.57. A gallon of milk costs $2.86. A carton of eggs costs $2.79. Ground beef costs $5.19 per pound.
Cost of Living in Savannah, GA
Other Living Expenses in Savannah, GA
Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Savannah
Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Savannah
Savannah residents have a few options for transportation, depending on where you live and where you need to go. Though walking and biking are options, especially in the downtown area, Savannah does have a bus system called the Chatham Area Transit (CAT). Per CAT’s website, a one-way local route costs $1.50 as of November 2023.
If you're in the mood for a unique transportation experience or want to take your time, you can ride a horse carriage, hop on a trolley, or catch the Savannah Belles Ferry. Other options include traveling by pedicab or the free DOT shuttle that stops in 20 locations throughout the downtown district. The city's tourism website has more details getting around.
Driving is the best option from any of Savannah’s suburbs. Per Payscale, the overall cost of fuel and transportation is 8% lower than the national average in November 2023.
Fuel costs in Savannah, like any city, can fluctuate depending on location, the day of the week, the time of year, and other national and international factors. AAA® reports the average cost for regular unleaded as of December 2023 is $3.138 per gallon. WTOC, the local news station, updates its map of gas prices daily and features the area’s lowest costs.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Savannah
The cost of healthcare in Savannah, as of November 2023, is 8% higher than the national average, according to PayScale. However, medical expenses can depend on whether you have insurance and what your coverage allows. Here are some of PayScale’s 2023 cost estimates for general medical visits:
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$134.28 for a doctor’s appointment
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$115.85 for a dental visit
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$126.48 for the optometrist
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$494.75 for prescriptions
Residents can access three hospitals in Savannah: St. Joseph’s Hospital, Landmark Hospital, and Memorial Health University Medical Center.
Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Savannah
Savannah residents pay 7% less in utilities than the national average, per PayScale in November 2023, with energy bills averaging $164 per month and phone services approximately $177 per month. A monthly water and sewer bill in Savannah costs about $47, according to March 2023 data from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority.
While internet costs in Savannah depend on your location, household needs, and provider, AllConnect, an internet provider search engine, finds this expense runs between $30–70 as of November 2023.
Tax Rates in the Savannah Area
Georgia residents pay a 7% state and sales tax, per the SavannahGA.gov website. The state is moving to a flat tax of 5.49% in 2024, according to the Georgia.gov website.
Recreation Costs in Savannah, Georgia
For a fun-filled time in the Savannah area, there’s an abundance of things to do, from outdoor activities to cultural events. You can also explore Savannah’s museums and historic homes, with tickets typically ranging from $10 to $15. Military discounts are often available, and children under the age of seven may get in for free. You can also enjoy a whole day roaming the city without spending a dime, or if you're in the mood for some beach action, Tybee Island is the place to be, with a parking pass costing just $4 per hour as of November 2023.
Average Salary in Savannah
ZipRecruiter® reports the average annual salary in Savannah is $50,739 for November 2023, and the average hourly wage is roughly $23 as of December 2023.
Imagine a home in historic Ardsley Park near the charming Habersham Village. This neighborhood, conveniently located off Victory Drive, offers easy access to the iconic Forsyth Park. While you won't find new homes here, you can get a sense of the vicinity’s house prices. If you're interested in buying an existing residence, prices can vary significantly depending on the house’s size, location, and age. Realtor®.com finds homes in Ardsley Park ranging from the low $400Ks to $2.6M as of October 2023. If you’re seeking small-town charm with convenient access to shopping and amenities, look no further than Richmond Hill, located near I-95 and an easy drive from downtown Savannah. The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for commuters and those seeking a break from city life. Our new construction homes in Richmond Hill, GA, such as the Heartwood and Waterways communities, start in the $400Ks. Roughly 20 miles from Savannah is Rincon, which is in Effingham County. The cost to build a new home in Rincon as of November 2023 is $342–448K, according to NewHomeSource®. An ever-popular spot in the Savannah area is Pooler. This suburb is close to grocery stores, the Tanger Outlet shopping center, and Interstate 95, which offers a convenient drive into downtown Savannah. The cost to build a new home in Pooler in November 2023 varies, but NewHomeSource suggests it’s best to budget for the $500K range. For a home near Pooler, downtown Savannah, and the airport, consider Garden City. A historically industrial area, this suburb has acted as a hub for the commercial industry in the greater Savannah area. While you won't find new construction homes here, plenty of houses are available in the $200–300K range, according to recent listings on Zillow® (November 2023). These homes can be a helpful benchmark for comparing house prices in the wider Savannah area. Given its cost of living, Savannah is truly an affordable place to call home. Depending on your lifestyle, hobbies, commute, and budget, there's a perfect spot for you here. Come check out all Savannah has to offer! Explore new construction homes in Savannah, Georgia, today or browse more Pulte® blogs. Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist and Former Savannah Resident Last Updated: November 4, 2024 Average Cost to Build a New Home in Savannah by Suburb
Ardsley Park–Chatham Crescent
Richmond Hill
Rincon
Pooler
Garden City
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