Question 1

Is Charleston or Savannah cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Savannah, GA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $43/month less than in Charleston, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,787/mo in Charleston versus $1,680/mo in Savannah.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Charleston vs Savannah?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,500/year before tax in Charleston, SC and $81,000/year in Savannah, GA — a difference of about $500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Charleston or Savannah cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Savannah, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,492/month in Charleston and $8,608/month in Savannah, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Charleston or Savannah?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Savannah costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Charleston73	Savannah62
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,333	$4,290
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,492	$8,608
Salary for comfort	$81,500/yr	$81,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,787	$1,680
Median home value	$469,100	$225,200
Median household income	$90,038	$56,782
Unemployment	3.4%	3.3%
Housing score	56	45
Jobs score	92	92
Safety score	64	20
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	36	29
Population	152K	147.5K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 43°	92° / 39°

Charleston, SC vs Savannah, GA