Georgia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Savannah, GA

The median household in Savannah, GA earns $57,137 a year ($4,761/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,680/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $67,200 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 4.8% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$57,137$4,761 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,680HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)95.2-4.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate16.4¢per kWh · EIA Residential GA
Census Population147,898Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Savannah, GA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,680Monthly market rent
Share of gross income35.3%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$67,200To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,428At 30% of $57,137
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Savannah, GA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Savannah, GA MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Savannah, GA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,455$17,460$58,20030.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,533$18,396$61,32032.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,680$20,160$67,20035.3%
3-Bedroom Home$2,235$26,820$89,40046.9%
4-Bedroom Home$2,547$30,564$101,88053.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Savannah, GA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Savannah, GA

Based on the local median household income of $57,137/year ($4,761/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,381/moRent ($1,680 2-BR), utilities (~$147/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,428/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 95.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$952/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Georgia

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Georgia state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$57,137
$20,000$115,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$57,137
Net 80%
Fed 8%
GA 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$45,987After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,832Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,769Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,676 / yr
Georgia state income tax$2,103 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,371 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Georgia with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Savannah, GA

What is the median household income in Savannah, GA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Savannah, GA is $57,137 per year (approximately $4,761 per month).

What is the average rent in Savannah, GA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Savannah, GA are $1,455 for a studio, $1,533 for 1 bedroom, $1,680 for 2 bedrooms, $2,235 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,547 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Savannah, GA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Savannah, GA is 95.2 (4.8% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Savannah, GA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,680/month) in Savannah, GA requires a minimum gross household income of $67,200 per year ($5,600 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Savannah, GA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $57,137/year ($4,761/month) in Savannah, GA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,381/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,428/month to discretionary spending, and $952/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Savannah, GA?

Residential electricity rates in Georgia average 16.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $147 per month.