Moving from Chicago to Savannah (2026)
Savannah has a COL index of 92 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$479/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10792
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,500
per month
State tax
4.9%5.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,434$4,397
per month
Salary needed in Savannah to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Savannah |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,393 |
| $50K | $42,991 |
| $60K | $51,589 |
| $75K | $64,486 |
| $80K | $68,785 |
| $100K | $85,981 |
| $120K | $103,178 |
| $150K | $128,972 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Savannah
| Expense | Chicago | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $388 | $369 |
| Transport | $105 | $48 |
| Utilities | $165 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $2,253 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Savannah cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Savannah has a cost of living index of 92 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Savannah?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chicago to Savannah could save roughly $479/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,748/year.
What salary do I need in Savannah to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $64,486/year in Savannah. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Savannah to ChicagoChicago vs Savannah — full comparisonChicago cost of livingSavannah cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only