Savannah vs Duluth for Families (2026)

A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Savannah, GA vs Duluth, MN.

  • 2BR rent: $1,600/mo in Duluth vs $2,000/mo — 20% difference
  • More affordable homeownership in Duluth: $230K median vs $310K
  • Higher median household income in Savannah: $55K/yr vs $54K

Family cost comparison

Metric
Savannah
Georgia
Duluth
Minnesota
2BR rent/month$2,000$1,600Better
Median home price$310K$230KBetter
Median household income$55KBetter$54K
Est. childcare/month$1,196$1,131Better
State income tax5.5%Better9.9%
Sales tax (combined)8%7.5%Better

Frequently asked questions

Which city is better for raising a family — Savannah or Duluth?

Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Duluth scores slightly better for families overall. Duluth has lower 2-bedroom rents, Duluth is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.

What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Savannah vs Duluth?

As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,000/month in Savannah and $1,600/month in Duluth. Duluth is 20% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.

Can a family afford to buy a home in Savannah or Duluth?

The price-to-income ratio in Savannah is 5.6× ($310K home, $55K income) vs 4.3× in Duluth. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Duluth is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.

How much does childcare cost in Savannah vs Duluth?

Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,196/month in Savannah and $1,131/month in Duluth. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.

Which city has lower taxes for families?

Savannah has a 5.5% state income tax rate vs Duluth's 9.9% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $264+/month in take-home.

Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026

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