Savannah vs Atlanta

Category / Metric	Savannah	Atlanta
Financial Overview
Median Income	$56,823	$85,880
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	3.4%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$340,500	$395,000
Price per SqFt	$197	$267
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,287	$1,643
Housing Cost Index	89.9	110.9
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.9	99.8
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	932.0
Bachelor's Degree+	36.6%	59.6%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	36

Atlanta vs. Savannah: The Ultimate Georgia Showdown

So, you're looking at Georgia and trying to decide between the bustling metropolis of Atlanta and the historic coastal charm of Savannah. It’s like choosing between a high-octane energy drink and a slow-sipping mint julep on a porch swing. Both are incredible in their own right, but they appeal to entirely different lifestyles. As your relocation expert, I’ve dug into the data, lived the experiences, and I’m here to give you the straight talk you need to make the right call. No fluff, just the facts with a side of opinion.

Let’s get into it.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grind vs. Southern Charm

Atlanta is the undisputed capital of the New South. It’s a sprawling, fast-paced metro area where ambition meets opportunity. Think world-class cuisine, a booming film industry, major sports franchises, and a skyline that pierces the clouds. The vibe here is energetic, diverse, and relentless. You’ll find transplants from all over the country (and the world) drawn by the job market. It’s a city that never really sleeps, offering a non-stop calendar of events, concerts, and networking opportunities. If you crave anonymity, professional growth, and a taste of urban grit mixed with Southern hospitality, Atlanta is calling your name.

Savannah, on the other hand, is a living museum. It’s a city of cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and a palpable sense of history. The pace is deliberate, almost languid. Life revolves around the river, the squares, and the coastal breeze. It’s a town where you know your neighbors, the food is soulful, and the biggest stressor might be which festival to attend this weekend. Savannah is for those who value aesthetics, community, and a slower, more intentional way of living. It’s perfect for creatives, retirees, and anyone who believes that quality of life trumps a corner office.

Who is each city for?

• Atlanta is for the career-driven professional, the foodie, the sports fan, and anyone who needs the stimulation of a major city.
• Savannah is for the history buff, the artist, the remote worker seeking beauty, and anyone who wants to trade hustle for harmony.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch?

Let’s talk money. The cost of living is often the deciding factor, and the gap here is significant. We’ll break down the essentials and then explore what a $100,000 salary actually feels like in each city.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Atlanta	Savannah	Winner
Median Home Price	$395,000	$340,500	Savannah
Rent (1BR)	$1,643	$1,287	Savannah
Housing Index	110.9	89.9	Savannah
Median Income	$85,880	$56,823	Atlanta

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Imagine you earn a comfortable $100,000 salary. In Atlanta, with a higher median income and a cost of living that’s roughly 15% above the national average, you’ll feel comfortable but not extravagant. Your money will go towards higher rents, a competitive housing market, and the premium amenities the city offers. You’ll have access to a wider range of high-paying jobs, which is a key part of the "purchasing power" equation.

In Savannah, that same $100,000 makes you a financial heavyweight. With a cost of living about 5% below the national average and a median income of just $56,823, you’d be in the top tier. You could afford a beautiful historic home, dine out frequently, and save aggressively. The "sticker shock" is minimal here. However, the trade-off is a smaller job market with lower average salaries. If your career is tied to a niche industry that thrives in Atlanta, your earning potential might be higher there, offsetting the cost difference.

Insight on Taxes: Georgia has a progressive income tax system, so your state tax burden will be similar in both cities. The real differentiator is property taxes. While both are in the same state, the tax base and rates can vary by county. Generally, Atlanta’s higher home values will result in a larger annual property tax bill, even if the rate is comparable.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Atlanta is firmly a seller’s market. Inventory is tight, and competition is fierce. Bidding wars are common, especially for homes under $500,000. Renting is a viable option, but prices are steep and rising. The barrier to entry for buying is high, but the potential for appreciation is strong given the city’s growth trajectory. You’re buying into a major economic engine.

Savannah is more of a balanced market, leaning slightly toward buyers. While popular historic districts are competitive, you generally have more room to negotiate. The median home price is $54,500 lower than Atlanta’s, making the dream of homeownership more accessible. The rental market is also more affordable, with less intense competition. For a first-time homebuyer, Savannah offers a much gentler entry point.

Verdict: If you have the capital and can handle the competition, Atlanta’s market is a powerful long-term investment. If you want more house for your money and less stress, Savannah is the smarter play.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute

Atlanta is infamous for its traffic. The infamous "spaghetti junction" (the I-285/I-85 interchange) is a daily nightmare for many. Commutes can easily hit 60-90 minutes each way. Public transit (MARTA) exists but has limited reach. Car ownership is non-negotiable, and your time is often spent in a car.

Savannah is a different world. The city is compact and walkable, especially in the historic districts. A typical commute is 15-25 minutes. You can often bike or walk to work, errands, and entertainment. The stress of sitting in gridlock is largely absent.

Winner for Commute: Savannah (by a landslide).

Weather

Atlanta sits at 45.0°F average, but don’t be fooled. It has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (often 95°F+), spring brings severe thunderstorms, and winter can see a dusting of snow or ice that paralyzes the city. It’s a true temperate climate with all the drama.

Savannah averages 56.0°F and is much more consistent. It’s humid year-round (it’s a coastal city), with hot, sticky summers and mild, damp winters. Snow is virtually nonexistent. The trade-off is hurricane season, which brings a real, if seasonal, risk.

Winner for Weather: Tie (Depends on your preference for seasonal variety vs. coastal consistency).

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest look. Both cities have crime rates above the national average, but the nature and severity differ.

Atlanta has a violent crime rate of 932.0 per 100,000. This is significantly high and a serious consideration. Crime is often concentrated in specific neighborhoods, but the city’s size and density mean it’s a more pervasive issue. Researching specific zip codes is essential.

Savannah has a violent crime rate of 456.0 per 100,000—less than half of Atlanta’s. However, property crime (theft, burglary) is a notable concern, especially in tourist-heavy areas. While safer from violent crime, vigilance is still required.

The Bottom Line: Savannah is statistically safer from violent crime, but both cities require due diligence in choosing a neighborhood. Atlanta’s higher rate is a genuine dealbreaker for some families.

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The Final Verdict

After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s my unfiltered advice.

Winner for Families: Savannah

• Why: The combination of a lower crime rate, excellent public/private school options (especially in surrounding counties like Chatham and Bryan), shorter commutes, and a stronger sense of community makes it a more stable environment for raising kids. The median home price of $340,500 also means you can get a larger yard and more space for your money. The slower pace allows for more family time.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Atlanta

• Why: The career opportunities are unmatched in Georgia. The networking potential, diverse industries (from Fortune 500s to startups), and vibrant social scene are ideal for building a resume and a social life. The median income of $85,880 reflects the higher earning potential. While you’ll pay more for rent and deal with traffic, the access to culture, music, and endless events is worth it for this demographic.

Winner for Retirees: Savannah

• Why: This is an easy call. The walkability, mild winters, rich cultural calendar, and lower cost of living are tailor-made for retirement. You can live beautifully on a fixed income, enjoy the coastal lifestyle, and immerse yourself in history and art. The slower pace is a reward after a lifetime of work.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Atlanta

Pros:

• Massive Job Market: Unparalleled economic opportunities.
• World-Class Amenities: Top-tier dining, sports, arts, and music.
• Diverse & Dynamic: A true melting pot of cultures and ideas.
• Strong Appreciation: Housing is a solid long-term investment.

Cons:

• Brutal Traffic: Commutes can be soul-crushing.
• High Cost of Living: Especially for housing.
• Higher Crime Rate: A significant concern in many areas.
• Urban Sprawl: Requires a car for almost everything.

Savannah

Pros:

• Unbeatable Charm & Beauty: Historic architecture and natural scenery.
• Affordable Living: More house for your money, lower overall costs.
• Short Commutes: Walkable and bikeable city core.
• Safer Environment: Lower violent crime rate than Atlanta.

Cons:

• Limited Job Market: Fewer high-paying opportunities; salaries are lower.
• Tourist Influx: The historic district can be crowded and commercialized.
• Humidity & Hurricanes: Coastal weather comes with challenges.
• Smaller City Feel: Fewer big-city amenities and events.

The Final Word: If your primary driver is career and urban energy, choose Atlanta. If your priority is quality of life, affordability, and charm, choose Savannah. There’s no wrong answer—just the right fit for your chapter. Now, go with your gut.