City Comparison
Athens vs Savannah
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Athens scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Athens
Savannah
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Athens is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Savannah.
Housing costs are a major driver: Athens's average rent is
18% lower than Savannah's.
| Metric | Athens | Savannah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,650 | -18% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $115 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $240 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,245 | $2,600 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Athens offers 2% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Athens delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Athens is estimated at
$52,000 vs $52,000 in Savannah.
| Metric | Athens | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $61,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 63,542 idx |
| Household Income | $53,400 | $62,450 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 4.8°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Savannah sees 3.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Athens | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 63.10°F | 67.90°F |
| Summer High | 86.60°F | 88.80°F |
| Winter Low | 36.30°F | 42.50°F |
| Rainfall | 38.30 in | 48.70 in |
| Snowfall | 3.70 in | 6.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | 241 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Athens scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Savannah leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Athens | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 68.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 48.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Savannah is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Athens.
From a growth perspective, Athens is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Athens has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Athens | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,561 | 147,088 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 27.5 | 32.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Athens
Advantages
Vibrant music and arts scene rooted in legendary alternative rock history and active local venues
World-class cultural and educational amenities driven by the University of Georgia
Cost of living that remains below the national average despite steady growth
Exceptional local healthcare infrastructure anchored by Piedmont Athens Regional and St. Mary's
Abundant green spaces including the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the North Oconee River Greenway
Drawbacks
Significant traffic congestion and parking shortages during University of Georgia home football game days
Rental market volatility and higher prices driven by high student demand near downtown
Property crime rates that skew higher in densely populated student and entertainment zones
Warm and humid summer climate that can be oppressive for sensitive individuals
Limited heavy rail public transit connectivity to neighboring metropolitan hubs like Atlanta
Savannah
Advantages
Home to one of the largest and fastest-growing container port complexes in the United States, driving robust regional logistics employment.
Stunning, preserved historic architecture and 22 iconic public squares providing unmatched aesthetic charm.
Proximity to coastal beaches like Tybee Island, just a 20-minute drive from the city center.
A thriving arts and design ecosystem anchored by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Cost of living that remains slightly below the U.S. national average, particularly outside the immediate historic core.
Drawbacks
Summer temperatures and high humidity levels can be intense and oppressive for several months.
Vulnerability to Atlantic tropical storms and hurricane season weather events.
Rising housing costs and short-term vacation rental conversions putting pressure on long-term local renters.
Pocketed property and violent crime rates in certain inner-city neighborhoods above national norms.
Limited heavy rail commuter transit options, making personal vehicle ownership virtually essential for suburban commutes.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Athens
#287Georgia, USA
61.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
63.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
78
Business
72
Savannah
#308Georgia, USA
61.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$61,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
68.0/100
Sunny Days
241/yr
Avg Temp
67.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
76
Business
70
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