Savannah, GA: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

1. Savannah: The Data Profile (2026)

Savannah presents a complex economic picture for the 2026 relocating professional. The city supports a population of 147,751, positioning it as a manageable mid-sized market rather than a major metro hub. The primary economic friction point is the income-to-cost ratio: the median household income sits at $56,823, which is 23.8% below the US median of $74,580. However, this is partially offset by a workforce that is more credentialed than the national average, with 36.6% of residents holding a college degree (US avg: 33.1%).

Target Demographic: The statistical profile suggests the ideal candidate is a remote worker leveraging a national salary, a service-industry manager, or a logistics professional. The 23.8% income deficit makes competing for housing on a purely local salary difficult, suggesting the market is increasingly bifurcated between remote transplants and the existing local workforce.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living Index (COLI) highlights why Savannah remains attractive despite the income gap. An index of 100 represents the US average. Savannah operates at 92.7 overall, roughly 7.3% cheaper than the national baseline. The primary driver is housing, sitting at an index of 88.5.

Deep Dive: Disposable Income
For a single professional, the monthly budget is approximately $2,850, leaving a projected surplus of $1,902 based on median income. For a family of four, monthly costs jump to roughly $6,250. This creates a deficit of -$1,427 against the median household income, confirming that family relocation on a single median salary is statistically unsustainable without dual incomes or remote salary premiums.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

Savannah's housing market offers significant relief compared to national pressures, though the rental sector is tightening. The median home price is roughly 12% lower than the national average, while rental rates for a 1-bedroom unit are approximately 15% below the US norm. However, the gap between buying and renting is narrowing.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Buying remains the financially superior long-term strategy in Savannah. The Housing Index of 88.5 indicates that acquisition costs are depressed relative to the broader market. Renting a 3-bedroom unit costs $2,200/mo, which is high relative to the local median income. However, with a median home price of $315,000, the monthly mortgage payment (at 6.5% interest) is roughly $2,500 (including taxes/insurance). While renting is cheaper monthly, the $315,000 entry point allows for equity capture that is unavailable in the rental market.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-2024 economic landscape in Savannah is defined by a 3.5% unemployment rate, which is healthier than the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market, though it is heavily weighted toward specific sectors.

RTO and Commute:
While remote work remains prevalent (36.6% college educated suggests high remote potential), the local economy relies on the Port of Savannah and tourism. Average commute times hover around 22 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes. This reduction in transit time effectively increases disposable income by reducing fuel and vehicle wear costs, which is reflected in the 93.0 transportation index.

Industry Stability:
Logistics and healthcare are the dominant stabilizers. The 3.5% unemployment rate suggests that despite lower median incomes, jobs are available. However, the 23.8% income deficit implies that wage growth is stagnant compared to inflation, making Savannah a stability play rather than a wealth-accumulation hub for local employees.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Savannah scores high on environmental metrics but shows concerning trends in public health. The city boasts an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44, which is firmly in the "Good" category and significantly better than the national average. However, lifestyle-related health risks are elevated.

Health & Safety:
The "Health Score" of 79.0/100 is respectable, but the underlying risk factors are high. The obesity rate is 34.5% (US: 31.9%) and the diabetes rate is 13.6% (US: 10.9%). These figures suggest that preventative healthcare and lifestyle choices are critical for long-term residents. Regarding safety, crime is statistically "Average." Violent crime at 401/100k is slightly above the US average (380), while property crime at 2457/100k is also slightly elevated compared to the 2,000 national baseline.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Weather Summary:
Current conditions show a high of 77°F and a low of 59°F. The climate is humid subtropical, with the "Patchy Fog" noted in the data being a frequent occurrence due to the coastal marshlands. This weather supports a year-round outdoor lifestyle but requires humidity management.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Affordability: With a median home price of $315,000 and a housing index of 88.5, entry costs are significantly lower than the national average.
• Environmental Quality: An AQI of 44 and low PM2.5 levels (7.1 µg/m³) offer excellent respiratory conditions.
• Economic Stability: An unemployment rate of 3.5% indicates a robust job market for those already employed.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: The median income of $56,823 is 23.8% below the US average, limiting local purchasing power.
• Health Risks: High rates of obesity (34.5%) and diabetes (13.6%) suggest a challenging environment for maintaining long-term health without strict personal discipline.
• Crime Rates: Both violent and property crime rates are slightly above the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Savannah is a Buy (with caution) market for 2026. It is highly recommended for remote workers earning a national salary who can capitalize on the 12% discount in home prices while enjoying the $1,680 average rent. It is less recommended for local job seekers due to the 23.8% income deficit, which strains the cost of living savings.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Savannah?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable surplus after the $2,750 monthly expenses. For a family, a household income of $95,000 is required to match the median lifestyle without financial stress.

2. How does the value compare to other Southern cities?
Savannah offers better value than Charleston or Nashville regarding housing (Index 88.5), but trails in income potential. It is a "tier 2" value play: cheaper than major metros, but with a lower wage ceiling.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
Statistically, crime is "Average," not "High." The violent crime rate of 401/100k is only 5.5% higher than the US average. Property crime is higher at 2457/100k, suggesting that securing vehicles and homes is a priority.

4. Is the current weather pattern typical?
Yes. A high of 77°F and low of 59°F is typical for spring/fall. Summers are hot and humid (often exceeding 90°F), while winters are mild. The "Patchy Fog" is a standard coastal phenomenon.