Savannah is a better place to live in. Atlanta is your usual big metro. There are lots to do. There are many sights to see. Atlanta is located in an area which makes it easier to commute to other cities. But it has high crime rates. It has your usual heavy traffic. Savannah is the opposite. It is laid back. The place has a rich history that comes with it. Plus, it is near the ocean which makes it the better option between the two.
And so, again, it would have to depend on your heart’s desires.
What is your purpose? What is your goal? What lifestyle suits you best?
Both cities are in the same state. But when it comes to similarities, this is the only similarity they have got. Everything else that is major would be more different.
The first major difference is its geographical location. Atlanta is bigger than Savannah. In fact, it is much bigger than Savannah. When placed against each other, Atlanta seems to be about 17 times bigger.
Atlanta sits near the mountains of the northern parts of Georgia. But the city is far from the city, about 270 miles or so.
And during the Civil War, the city was burned by Sherman’s troops. Aside from that, there is nothing much colorful when it comes to the city’s history.
Well, there are museums, of course. But that’s where one can see much of the city’s history. Outside these museums, there is nothing else to note historically-wise.
On the other hand, Savannah was actually not burned by Sherman and his troops. But, this quaint little piece of the gem is a historic district. It comes with beautiful squares. It also has a river walk.
Unlike Atlanta, the city of Savannah is closer to the beach. The closest is that of Tybee, which is 17 or so miles from the city. The city is also near Hilton Head.
Savannah is a walkable city. It possesses that southern charm that most of us crave.
In fact, before the pandemic, thousands and tourists would flock to the city. This is because, between the two, Savannah is the more beautiful city. Visitors would know they are amongst the thousands that enjoyed the city’s laid-back vibe.
There is nothing quite beautiful with Atlanta. It is a huge metro. It has traffic problems. And compared to Savannah, Atlanta also comes with a subway system.
But aside from these, there is nothing much to see. All one has to do is work, rest at home, and the usual drink in the club or dine in a restaurant during weekends.
Atlanta is more of a business city. It has a lot of entertainment places. And it is also close to the hills of northern Georgia.
If you don’t mind living in the big city, Atlanta should be the better place. If you crave a lot of entertainment venues, this is your best bet. And if you are into hiking, Atlanta should be for you.
But if you prefer to spend your life in a laid-back setting, go to Savannah. You can take a lot of beautiful walks close to the river or the beach in this city.
Which is more expensive, Atlanta or Savannah?
Atlanta is more expensive. In fact, the city is about 29.2% more expensive than Savannah. Its housing costs are one major factor for this. Savannah has affordable rent and housing. The same is true with most commodities including healthcare.
When one looks at the consumer prices, Savannah is way lower compared to Atlanta. Without rent, Savannah’s average consumer prices would be 16% lower than Atlanta’s. When including rent, it is 18% lower.
Cost of Rent
Rent in Savannah is relatively lower than that of Atlanta. In fact, rent in Savannah is about 22% lower as a whole.
Aside from a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, all else is more expensive in Atlanta. The cost of rent of a one-bedroom in the city center is about $1,555 in Atlanta. In Savannah, it averages at $1,557. This is just a $2-difference between the two, with Savannah being the more expensive.
But compare rental costs of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. Atlanta is more expensive. It costs around $1,131, while Savannah’s cost is around $1,022. This is a difference of about 9%, with Savannah’s prices being more affordable.
The same is true when it comes to three-bedroom apartments. This can be whether inside or outside the city center. The differences in costs can even go to as much as 35%, with Savannah being cheaper.
Cost of Meals
Even meals and groceries are way cheaper in Savannah than in Atlanta. Overall, it is almost 12% more affordable in Savannah when it comes to eating out.
Everything else related to eating out is cheaper in Savannah compared to Atlanta. All, except water and a meal at your usual fast food joint.
A fast-food meal is about 1 to 2% cheaper in Atlanta. Bottled water, on the other hand, is 0.95% more expensive in Savannah.
When it comes to restaurants and meals, the rest of the commodities are more expensive in Atlanta. Whether in some small café or a mid-range place, meals at restaurants are more expensive in Atlanta.
The difference can be anywhere from 14% to 15%, with meals in Savannah being more affordable.
Beer, soda, and coffee are all cheaper in Savannah as well. Price differences in these commodities range from below 1% to as much as 20%.
The Cost of Groceries
Even groceries are way cheaper in Savannah. When comparing the two cities, Atlanta is more expensive by 17%.
And when one looks at the essential commodities, there are only a few items that are much cheaper in Atlanta. These are milk, rice, and eggs. Cheese and cigarettes are also cheaper in Atlanta compared to Savannah.
Aside from these commodities, almost everything else is cheaper in Savannah.
Upon checking, we see a wide variance in prices, especially when it comes to beef. The price difference is so huge that, at times, it can even go to as much as 40%.
Wine and vegetables are also more expensive in Atlanta. The price differences can vary, from as low as 1% to as much as 38%.
The Cost of Transportation
When moving into a new location, it is of great essence to also check on transportation costs.
Are you taking public transportation? Or are you driving? How efficient is the city’s transport system?
Atlanta has a subway system. This makes it easier to travel from Point A to Point B.
This should also make everything efficient when going to work.
But no matter how efficient traveling is in Atlanta, the price can still be much higher.
Say, for example, a monthly rate of public transportation. When in Atlanta, you can expect to pay around $95 for this. In Savannah, you would only need to allot $40 for your monthly transportation costs. This is a 57% difference, which is huge.
Even the usual tariff of taxis can be more expensive in Atlanta. As of this writing, Atlanta is more expensive by 34% than Savannah in this aspect.
This makes it cheaper to commute when in Savannah.
But the lower cost of commuting does not always mean it is comfortable. It always does not mean it is efficient.
As again, Atlanta has a reliable transport system. The only thing you have to think of is that it comes with a price. And it is such a high price.
The Cost of Utilities
Finally, another commodity that takes up a major slice of your budget is your cost of utilities.
Most of the utility costs in Savannah are cheaper. For starters, basic amenities cost about $167 in Atlanta. In Savannah, this would only amount to as much as $139.
The thing is, these amounts already include electricity, heating, and cooling. Also, it should consist of water and garbage disposal services.
Even internet costs can be cheaper in Savannah than in Atlanta. In comparison, the differences can vary depending on the internet provider. But differences can be anywhere from 6% to 7%, with Savannah being the cheaper city.
Overall, the cost of living in Savannah is way cheaper than in Atlanta.
When deciding on which city to move to, it would be essential also to consider the salaries.
In Savannah, one can comfortably go by with $4,150 per month. In Atlanta, you need to have at least $5,100 to live comfortably.
And speaking of salaries, how is the job market in Savannah compared to that in Atlanta?
Is it easy to find jobs in Savannah or Atlanta?
Both cities have seen job growth in the past few years. But comparing the two, Atlanta exhibited growth much higher than the national average. This makes Atlanta the city where you can easily find a job. While Savannah’s job market grew, it was not as much as the national average. Hence, there are more jobs in Atlanta than in Savannah.
Currently, both cities have low unemployment rates. But when one compares the numbers with the rest of the country, unemployment in both are higher.
The unemployment rate in the US is at 3.7%. Atlanta’s is at 4% while Savannah’s unemployment rate sits at 3.8%.
Current job growth is at 2.9% for Atlanta, while it is at 1.4% in Savannah. The national average is at 1.6%. Savannah’s recent job growth is lower by about 0.2% than the national average.
Atlanta has seen a rise in its current employment rate. Its jobs related to healthcare and finance have all been fostered over the past few years.
Aside from that, the emergence of the film and TV industry in Atlanta provided more jobs. Media, communications, and manufacturing are the other dominant industries in Atlanta.
On the other hand, Savannah has healthcare as one of its dominant industries. Aside from healthcare, the city also provides jobs for logistics and distribution. Manufacturing jobs are also teeming in the city.
The city supports all these industries and a lot more. Savannah has a strong Aerospace industry. Gulfstream Aerospace, the biggest aerospace manufacturer in the region, calls Savannah home.
Pros and Cons
Moving to Atlanta has its pros and cons. One advantage is that the city has a booming economy. This makes it an ideal destination, especially if you are into moving up the corporate ladder. This also means you never run out of options when it comes to jobs available.
While it has a city vibe, it retained several charming neighborhoods. The winter is not as harsh as well compared to most states.
But while it has mild winters, the city also gives you harsh summers. These are scorching summers we are talking about.
This would be hard, especially if you are on your way to work. One should understand that the city is not exactly walkable. Plus, the urban sprawl extends up to about 50 miles in each direction. There is traffic that is heavier than Savannah’s. Plus, the cost of living is not that cheap.
Savannah, on the other hand, has neighborhoods that are as beautiful as Atlanta’s. The city is also home to many students and artists, thanks to its Savannah College of Art and Design.
The city is near the beach. And so, seafood comes aplenty. The cost of living is reasonable enough for one to get by life without spending too much.
The only thing most people would give up in Savannah is the warm climate. When in the city, you have to expect to use the air conditioning system every single day. And as you know, this could add up to the costs.
And because the city has a warmer climate, expect to see some bugs and mosquitoes all year round. They like the tropical climate of Savannah.
Aside from these, all else is well in the city.
You see, the decision as to which city to move to lies in your hands.
Are you for the city vibe of Atlanta? Or would you prefer to live by the ocean and move to Savannah?
We have our personal choices. Which one is yours?