Living in Savannah, Georgia, comes with vibrant azaleas, trendy boutiques, open-air markets, historic homes and monuments, food festivals, and so much more. While the cost of living in Savannah is less expensive than in areas like Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Cumming, there are still expenses to consider. Here’s a closer look at the cost of living Savannah GA and what to expect when moving to the Hostess City of the South.
Housing Costs
How expensive is an apartment in Savannah?
Your cost of living in Savannah largely depends on how much you spend on housing. Savannah’s rent prices are on the rise, but they are still reasonable compared to other cities in Georgia. The average rent on a one-bedroom apartment in Savannah runs $1,095 per month, a 12% increase compared to the previous year.
How do I find cheap apartments in Savannah?
Here are a few tips to help you find cheap apartments in Savannah:
- Download an apartment app like Zumper: There are several apartment finder websites and apps that make it easy for you to search and compare apartments. These websites can offer advanced searches by pricing and square footage, as well as extras like relocation service tools, video tours, and information about local price trends. Download Zumper on the Apple Store or Google Play store to find all the best apartments.
- Look in the suburbs right outside of the city: Check out the surrounding suburban areas and focus on rental properties in these cheaper areas. If you work in downtown Savannah, accommodation in the suburbs is a great option for saving some cash and keeping your commute time reasonable.
- Find an apartment that is further away from the city’s public transportation: Usually, rental apartments that are conveniently close to the city’s public transportation cost more. So, if you don’t need the extra convenience, choose an apartment that’s further away.
What is the cheapest rent in Savannah?
The price range of a cheap apartment in Savannah is between $665 and $2,578.
Utility Costs
Savannah’s weather is relatively mild. There are hot, humid summers and some dips and slight snow in the winter months. The results are reasonable apartment utility costs that vary depending on the season. For a 915 square feet apartment, the average cost of utilities runs $139.95 for cooling, heating, electricity, water, and garbage. You may need to add about $64 for the internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL).
Food Costs
Savannah has a thriving food scene with trendy restaurants. You’re guaranteed to make your taste buds the happiest they can be, as there are several casual eateries and high-end restaurants to choose from.
Depending on your lifestyle, grocery costs in Savannah can vary, though on average you may spend around $40 per day. If you have a family, however, you may spend around $7,238 on food per year. When dining out, an average meal in Savannah costs $16 per person. Prices for breakfast are often a little cheaper than dinner or lunch.
Transportation Costs
Savannah is pedestrian-friendly. With plenty of attractions grouped in small areas throughout the city, it is easily one of the south’s most walkable cities.
Savannah has a bus system, which is run by Chatham Area Transit (or CAT). A one-way ticket for the bus costs you around $1.50, a day pass costs $3, and transfers are free. You can purchase tickets on board, but make sure you have exact change. CAT also runs a free downtown dot Express Shuttle, which makes over 20 stops in the historic city center.
If you have a car, you may spend around $2.25 for a gallon of gasoline, which is significantly lower than the national average of $2.86. You may also need to pay for car insurance. The average cost of car insurance in Savannah is $1,705 per year, which is more expensive than the national average of $1,548 and more than the average across Georgia ($1,609). Keep in mind, though, that the cost of your car insurance varies depending on several factors, including your age, marital status, credit score, and driving history.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare in Savannah is 2% lower than the national average. A doctor’s visit will cost you around $107.94, while prescription drugs will cost you around $429.98. If you have a pet, a veterinary visit will cost you about $50.29.
If you plan to purchase healthcare insurance, you can expect to pay about $585 per person for a major medical individual health insurance plan. However, if you are in good health, the prices and premiums can be lower. The cheapest health insurance in Savannah starts at around $197 per person for a major medical plan.
Education Costs
If you’re planning to pursue higher education in Savannah, you may need to spend around $18,335 for out-of-state students or $4,472 for in-state students. These figures are higher than the national average of $17,871 for out-of-state students and $6,540 for in-state students. Among colleges in Savannah, Savannah Technical College has the lowest tuition and fees of $5,442 and Savannah College of Art and Design has the most expensive tuition and fees of $38,075.
Sports and Leisure Costs
If you prefer a gym or fitness center with more variety, classes, and workout equipment to choose from, expect to spend at least $38 per month, which is slightly higher than in other cities in Georgia. You may be able to find an apartment in Savannah with an on-site gym. Though if you want to save money, you can set up a home gym in your apartment. If you love watching movies at cinemas, expect to pay about $12.25 per movie ticket.
What is the cost of living in Savannah, GA? As you can see, you’ll find a competitive median cost to live in Savannah compared to other cities in Georgia. Start your apartment search before you move there by browsing homes and apartments for rent in Savannah on Zumper.
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