Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Savannah is 10% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $67,718 in Savannah.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries ยท North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Savannah has a housing index of 81 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Savannah costs $250,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Savannah versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Savannah scores 100 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Savannah (98) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Savannah is $45,210 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Savannah.
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