Moving from Columbus, GA to Savannah, GA
The 239 mi from Columbus to Savannah translate to about 4h 47m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
239 mi · 4h 47m by car · GA
Distance & route
| Route through | GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 16, GA 96, GA 540 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Savannah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.296 | 95.206 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.666 | 88.603 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.332 | 96.269 | 100.0 |
| Services | 61.185 | 86.012 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.6% pricier overall in Savannah than Columbus on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Savannah typical home at $326,509 is 6.6% above Columbus at $173,152 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Columbus +1.2%, Savannah -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbus | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 48.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 63.7°F vs 67.5°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Savannah sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLUMBUS #2, GA US, SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 204,383 | 147,546 |
| Median household income | $56,622 | $56,782 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.52 |
Household income lines up — $56,622 vs $56,782 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Savannah MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,950 | $41,600 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,870 | $37,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 21,400 | $28,500 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 18,460 | $31,030 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,220 | $76,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Savannah average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Savannah more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Savannah is 6.6% higher than Columbus (95.206 vs 89.296, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Savannah?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 239 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Savannah, GA from Columbus, GA?
The driving distance is 239 mi and the route typically takes 4h 47m via I 16 and GA 96. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Columbus vs Savannah?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,782 in Savannah vs $56,622 in Columbus — a 0.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Savannah compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,490 in the Savannah MSA vs $38,490 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 188,970 and 113,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Savannah compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $326,509 in Savannah vs $173,152 in Columbus — a 88.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, GA · Savannah, GA.