Augusta vs Savannah: Cost of Living Comparison
Augusta and Savannah are Georgia's two most prominent cities outside metro Atlanta, each with distinct economic drivers. Augusta is known for Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), the Masters golf tournament, and a growing cybersecurity corridor, while Savannah thrives on its port - one of the busiest on the East Coast - plus tourism and a vibrant historic district. Housing in both cities falls well below the national average, though Savannah's tourism appeal and coastal location push prices slightly higher than Augusta's.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Augusta | Savannah | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 91 | 107 | Augusta |
| Housing | 73 | 114 | Augusta |
| Groceries | 96 | 101 | Augusta |
| Transportation | 95 | 100 | Augusta |
| Utilities | 95 | 98 | Augusta |
Index values are estimates for general comparison purposes relative to a national average of 100. Lower is cheaper. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, household size, and lifestyle.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: Augusta vs Savannah
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Augusta are worth in Savannah - and vice versa.
| Salary in Augusta | Equivalent in Savannah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $58,791 | +$8,791 |
| $75,000 | $88,187 | +$13,187 |
| $100,000 | $117,582 | +$17,582 |
| $150,000 | $176,374 | +$26,374 |
Savannah is more expensive, so you need more income to maintain your standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Augusta wins): Housing is 56% cheaper in Augusta than Savannah. Savannah has a housing index of 114 vs 73. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Augusta wins): Grocery costs in Augusta (index 96) are lower than Savannah (index 101). Savannah is above the national average while Augusta is below.
Transportation (Augusta wins): Transportation costs index 95 in Augusta vs 100 in Savannah. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Augusta wins): Utilities cost less in Augusta (index 95) than Savannah (index 98). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role - cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare prices from up to 3 local movers. No obligation, no spam.
Want to Estimate Costs Before Getting Quotes?
Use our free calculator to build a detailed moving budget - movers, truck rental, flights, deposits, and all the hidden costs.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Related Comparisons
FAQ - Augusta vs Savannah Cost of Living
Is Augusta or Savannah more expensive to live in?
Savannah is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to 91 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Savannah costs 41 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Savannah vs Augusta?
Housing in Savannah has an index of 114 compared to 73 in Augusta. That's 56% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Augusta worth in Savannah?
A $100,000 salary in Augusta is equivalent to approximately $117,582 in Savannah. This means you would need to earn more in Savannah to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Augusta or Savannah?
Groceries are cheaper in Augusta, with an index of 96 compared to 101 in Savannah. The national average is 100, so one city is above and one is below the national average.
Should I move from Augusta to Savannah to save money?
Savannah is actually more expensive than Augusta overall, with an index 16 points higher. However, consider your specific situation - salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.