Savannah vs Charleston for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Savannah Georgia | Charleston South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,200Better | $1,500 |
| 2BR rent / month | $2,000Better | $2,500 |
| Median home price | $310KBetter | $430K |
| Median household income | $55K | $68KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,196Better | $1,261 |
| State income tax | 5.5%Better | 6.2% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8% | 7.5%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $165 | $162Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 97Better | 99 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Savannah or Charleston?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Savannah scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $2,000/mo in Savannah vs $2,500/mo. Savannah is approximately 5% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Savannah vs Charleston?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,000/month in Savannah and $2,500/month in Charleston. Savannah is 20% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Savannah or Charleston?
The price-to-income ratio in Savannah is 5.6× ($310K median home, $55K median income). In Charleston it's 6.3× ($430K home, $68K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Savannah is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Savannah vs Charleston?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,196/month in Savannah and $1,261/month in Charleston, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$780/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Savannah has a 5.5% state income tax rate vs Charleston's 6.2% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $70/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Savannah has the same purchasing power as $105K in Charleston
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026