Category / Metric	Savannah	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$56,823	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$340,500	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$197	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,287	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	89.9	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.9	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	36.6%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	40

Philadelphia vs. Savannah: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You're standing at a crossroads. On one path, the gritty, fast-paced energy of a major Northeast corridor city. On the other, the slow, sweet tea-sipping charm of a historic Southern coastal gem. Choosing between Philadelphia and Savannah isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about picking a lifestyle. As your relocation expert and data journalist, I've crunched the numbers, walked the streets (virtually and literally), and I'm here to give you the unfiltered truth. Let's get into it.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Grace

Philadelphia is the underdog with a chip on its shoulder and a heart of gold. It's a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. You've got the historic cobblestones of Old City, the trendy lofts of Fishtown, the academic bustle of University City, and the quiet, leafy streets of Mount Airy. Philly is unapologetically real. It's a city of workers, thinkers, and eaters (the cheesesteak is a religion here). The pace is brisk, especially in Center City, but it's manageable. It feels like a "real city" that doesn't put on airs. It's for the person who wants urban amenities—world-class museums, a legendary sports scene, and a thriving food scene—without the astronomical price tag of NYC or Boston.

Savannah is a postcard brought to life. It's a city built for strolling, not rushing. The historic district is a labyrinth of oak-canopied squares, Spanish moss, and antebellum architecture. The vibe is languid, romantic, and deeply rooted in its past. Life here revolves around the river, the squares, and the coastal breeze. It's a city of festivals, art walks, and long, leisurely dinners. Savannah is for the dreamer, the artist, the history buff, and anyone who believes quality of life is measured in sunsets over the water and the time to actually enjoy them. It's a smaller, more intimate community where Southern hospitality isn't a cliché—it's the operating system.

Who is each city for?

Philly is for the urban professional, the young family seeking culture and top-tier schools, the sports fanatic, and the foodie who craves diversity.
Savannah is for the remote worker seeking inspiration, the retiree wanting a beautiful, walkable community, the artist, and the person who prioritizes peace and charm over 24/7 hustle.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We need to talk about purchasing power—how far does your paycheck actually stretch?

Let's break down the cost of living. The data tells a fascinating story. While Savannah has a lower median income, its housing market is surprisingly more expensive, especially when you factor in the type of home you get. Philadelphia, despite its higher population and more robust economy, offers more bang for your buck in terms of rent and general living expenses.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Philadelphia	Savannah	Winner for Affordability
Median Home Price	$270,375	$340,500	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,451	$1,287	Savannah
Housing Index	117.8 (Above avg)	89.9 (Below avg)	Savannah
Median Income	$60,302	$56,823	Philadelphia

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let's imagine you earn $100,000. Where does it feel like more?

In Philadelphia, your $100k goes further in covering daily expenses. Groceries, utilities, and public transit are more affordable. The key here is the housing index (117.8). While home prices are lower, the index suggests overall living costs are slightly above the national average. However, with a median income of $60,302, you're already earning ~33% above the city's median, giving you significant purchasing power. You can live comfortably in a nice apartment in a desirable neighborhood and still have cash for Eagles games and amazing meals.

In Savannah, your $100k makes you a high earner (you're ~76% above the median income of $56,823). However, the housing index (89.9) is misleading. It's below the national average, but the median home price of $340,500 is 26% higher than in Philly. This is the "Southern Charm Tax." You're paying a premium for historic homes and coastal proximity. Rent is cheaper, but the home-buying market is a different beast. Your $100k will feel luxurious for renting but will stretch thinner when trying to buy a single-family home in the historic district.

The Tax Twist:
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. Georgia's state income tax is progressive, ranging from 1% to 5.75%. For a $100k earner, you'd pay about $3,070 in PA state tax, and roughly $4,950 in GA state tax. That's a difference of nearly $1,900 per year. This further erodes Savannah's affordability edge for homeowners.

Verdict on Dollar Power: For pure purchasing power and lower overall costs, Philadelphia wins. Your salary stretches further for daily living, and the entry point for homeownership is significantly lower.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia

Buyer's/Seller's Market: Currently a balanced market, leaning slightly toward a buyer's market in some neighborhoods due to increased inventory.
Rent vs. Buy: Renting is the default for many young professionals. The rental market is competitive but offers more variety. Buying is a fantastic investment in neighborhoods like Fishtown, Point Breeze, or West Philly, where appreciation is strong. You get a lot of house for your money compared to other major metros.
Availability: High. The city has a diverse housing stock, from rowhomes to high-rises to single-family homes in the suburbs.

Savannah

Buyer's/Seller's Market: Firmly a Seller's market. The historic charm and coastal appeal have kept demand high, especially for renovated homes in the Victorian and Ardsley Park districts.
Rent vs. Buy: Renting is more accessible in the suburbs (Midtown, Southside), but the historic district is a premium rental zone. Buying is the dream, but it's competitive and expensive. You're often competing with second-home buyers and investors.
Availability: Low, especially for affordable single-family homes in desirable areas. The inventory is constrained by the city's historic preservation laws, which is part of the charm but limits new construction.

Verdict on Housing: For buyers on a budget, Philadelphia is the clear winner. The entry price is lower, and the market is less frenzied. For renters, Savannah offers a better deal per square foot, but you're paying a premium to live in the historic core.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Philadelphia: The I-95 corridor, the Schuylkill Expressway, and the Ben Franklin Bridge are legendary for congestion. Commuting by car can be a test of patience. However, SEPTA is a robust public transit system with subways, buses, and regional rail that can make life car-free in many neighborhoods. Average commute: ~28 minutes.
Savannah: Traffic is a different beast. It's less about relentless highway gridlock and more about tourist congestion in the historic district and bridge bottlenecks. The city is very walkable and bikeable. Most residents drive, but commutes are generally shorter. Average commute: ~20 minutes.

Winner: Savannah for shorter, less stressful commutes, especially if you live and work locally.

Weather

Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common), winters can be cold and snowy (average 52°F), and spring/fall are gorgeous. You need a full wardrobe.
Savannah: Long, hot, and humid summers (feels like 100°F+ with humidity) and mild, often damp winters. The "snow" is a dusting once every few years. The hurricane season (June-Nov) is a real consideration, with the risk of tropical storms and flooding.

Winner: Subjective. If you hate snow, Savannah wins. If you hate brutal, draining summer humidity and hurricane risk, Philadelphia might be your pick.

Crime & Safety

This is a crucial and honest conversation. Both cities have areas that are perfectly safe and areas that require caution. The data provides a snapshot, but context is king.

Philadelphia: The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000. This is higher than the national average. However, crime is hyper-local. Neighborhoods like Society Hill, Chestnut Hill, and much of West Philly are very safe. The data reflects challenges in specific, often economically distressed, neighborhoods.
Savannah: The violent crime rate is 456.0 per 100,000. This is also above the national average but notably lower than Philadelphia's. Savannah's historic core is generally very safe, especially during the day. However, like any city, there are pockets of higher crime, particularly outside the tourist areas.

Verdict: Statistically, Savannah has a lower violent crime rate. However, the nature of crime differs. Philadelphia's crime is more concentrated in specific areas, while Savannah's can be more diffuse. Safety in both cities requires street smarts and choosing your neighborhood carefully.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?

This isn't about declaring one city universally "better." It's about matching the right person to the right place.

🏆 Winner for Families: Philadelphia
- Why: Superior access to top-tier public and private schools (including world-class universities), a vast array of family-friendly museums (Franklin Institute, Please Touch Museum), professional sports for kids to grow up with, and more affordable, larger housing options in family-oriented neighborhoods like Mount Airy or the Northeast. The diversity of experiences is unparalleled.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
- Why: The job market is larger and more diverse (healthcare, finance, tech, education). The social scene is vibrant and more affordable. You can live in a dynamic neighborhood, walk to dozens of bars and restaurants, and hop a train to NYC or DC for a weekend. The energy is perfect for building a career and social life.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Savannah
- Why: The walkability, mild winters, and slower pace of life are ideal. The strong sense of community, cultural events (music, art), and stunning beauty provide a high quality of life. The lower stress and scenic environment are perfect for this life stage.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia: The Gritty Underdog

PROS

Massive bang for your buck on housing vs. other major metros.
World-class culture (museums, history, food) at a fraction of the cost of NYC/DC.
Robust public transit system (SEPTA).
Diverse job market with strong healthcare and education sectors.
True four seasons with beautiful springs and falls.

CONS

High violent crime rate (contextualized to neighborhoods).
Traffic congestion and aggressive driving.
Winters can be cold and gray.
Urban grit isn't for everyone; it's a city of stark contrasts.

Savannah: The Charming Coastal Gem