Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. Using Georgia's 0.92% property tax rate and $2,200/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Savannah edges out Atlanta in affordability, saving you roughly $717/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Georgia, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Georgia's 0.92% property tax rate.
Buying in Savannah saves you approximately $717/month ($8,604/year) compared to Atlanta, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Savannah is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $310K versus $415K in Atlanta. That's $105K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $11K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Savannah, compared to $15K in Atlanta. Georgia offers the Georgia Dream Homeownership program (Up to $10,000 DPA) which applies in both cities.
Savannah has the better price-to-rent ratio at 18.7x versus 19.8x in Atlanta. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Savannah is $1,380/month on a $310K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Atlanta (pop. 498,715) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Savannah (pop. 147,780) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Savannah, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.