The Real Salary Guide: Savannah, GA (2026 Edition)

You see the six-figure sticker price. You hear about Savannah's historic charm and booming scene. But what does a $100,000 salary actually put in your bank account? We cut through the noise and run the raw numbers. This isn't a lifestyle blog; this is a financial audit.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let's run the Verification Test. We start with a $100,000 gross salary and strip away the mandatory government deductions. This is the reality of your purchasing power.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• GA State Tax: -$5,490
• Local Tax: $0

Total Deductions: $26,754

The Take Home Pay: $73,246 annually.

That is a 26.7% haircut before you pay a single bill. You are earning $100k, but you are spending $73,246. If you budget based on the sticker price, you will bleed cash. The monthly net is $6,104. This is your hard cap.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

We apply the 50/30/20 rule to your $6,104 monthly net. This is the strategic framework for wealth building, not just survival.

Needs ($3,052/mo): The Rent Squeeze

This bucket covers rent, utilities, insurance, and groceries. In the Savannah market, $3,052 is a strong position. The median rent for a one-bedroom in desirable areas (Midtown, Victorian District) hovers around $1,400 - $1,600.

• Rent & Utilities: ~$1,600
• Groceries & Transport: ~$800
• Remaining Buffer: ~$652

Verdict: You can afford a decent apartment without roommates, but you aren't living in a luxury high-rise on River Street. You have purchasing power, but it isn't unlimited.

Wants ($1,831/mo): The Fun Fund

This is your dining, nightlife, and discretionary spend. Savannah has a high density of restaurants and bars. $1,831 is a healthy allocation. You can hit the Forsyth District hotspots and maintain a social life, provided you don't front-load this category.

Savings ($1,221/mo): Wealth Creation

This is the most important number on this page. $1,221 monthly is $14,652 annually. This is enough to max out a Roth IRA ($7,000) and still contribute heavily to a 401(k) or brokerage account. This is where you build the actual wealth. Do not treat this as "leftover money." Automate it.

Savannah Taxes vs. The Competition

Savannah is a tax heavyweight compared to other tech and cultural hubs. While you have $0 local tax, the State Tax is aggressive.

• Savannah, GA: Total Tax Burden (on $100k) = $26,754
• Austin, TX: Total Tax Burden (on $100k) = $23,432 (No State Income Tax)
• New York, NY: Total Tax Burden (on $100k) = $34,000+ (Insane Local + State)

The Analysis: You are paying a $3,322 premium annually to live in Georgia compared to Austin. That premium buys you the "Savannah vibe" and proximity to the coast. However, you are losing significant compounding interest on that $3,322 over a decade. For a high earner, the GA tax code is a liability, not an asset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Savannah?
A: Georgia uses a progressive tax bracket system. For a $100,000 salary in 2026, the effective state income tax rate is approximately 5.49%. Combined with Federal and FICA, your total effective tax rate is roughly 26.7%.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Savannah?
A: It is a strong salary. It places you well above the median household income for the city. However, after taxes ($73k take-home), it requires strict budgeting to account for rising housing costs and the high tax burden. It provides comfort, but not luxury.

Q: Does Savannah have a local city tax?
A: No. Unlike cities in Pennsylvania or Ohio, Savannah does not levy a specific municipal earned income tax on residents.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Tax estimates are based on the 2026 IRS tax brackets (projected) and Georgia State tax guidelines for a single filer with standard deduction. Cost of living data is synthesized from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) CPI data and local real estate market analysis. Always consult a certified public accountant (CPA) for personalized financial advice.