Moving from Columbia, SC to Savannah, GA
The 173 mi from Columbia to Savannah translate to about 3h 27m behind the wheel through 2 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.
173 mi · 3h 27m by car · GA → SC
Distance & route
| Route through | GA → SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 26, US 17 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Savannah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 95.206 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 88.603 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 96.269 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 86.012 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Columbia (93.662) and Savannah (95.206) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Savannah: 1.6% above Columbia on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, Savannah -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 40°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | 48.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Savannah — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 147,546 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $56,782 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.52 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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.
Moving between South Carolina and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- Register to vote in Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Savannah?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,782 in Savannah vs $55,653 in Columbia — a 2.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Savannah compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $326,509 in Savannah vs $229,068 in Columbia — a 42.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Savannah more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Savannah is 1.6% higher than Columbia (95.206 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Savannah, GA from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 173 mi and the route typically takes 3h 27m via I 95 and I 26. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Columbia 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 173 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Columbia and Savannah?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 67.5°F in Savannah vs 63.6°F in Columbia (3.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.4 in. Annual precipitation: 48.1 in vs 46.3 in.
How does the job market in Savannah compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,490 in the Savannah MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 188,970 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC · Savannah, GA.