Moving from Columbus, OH to Savannah, GA
Relocating 685 mi from Columbus to Savannah is a 13h 9m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
685 mi Β· 13h 9m by car Β· OH β WV β VA β NC β SC β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β VA β NC β SC β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, US 33, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Concord, Charlotte, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Savannah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.469 | 95.206 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.523 | 88.603 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.269 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.945 | 86.012 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 95.469 vs 95.206 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $245,979 to $326,509 moving to Savannah.
YoY change: Columbus -0.5%, Savannah -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 48.1" |
Expect 14.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Savannah gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US, SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 906,480 | 147,546 |
| Median household income | $65,327 | $56,782 |
| Median age | 33 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.52 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.3% lower in Savannah than Columbus.
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 Ohio 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Savannah average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
Is Savannah more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Savannah is 0.3% lower than Columbus (95.206 vs 95.469, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 $47,970 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 188,970 and 1,067,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Savannah?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 685 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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 $65,327 in Columbus β a 13.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Savannah, GA from Columbus, OH?
The driving distance is 685 mi and the route typically takes 13h 9m via I 77 and US 33. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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 $245,979 in Columbus β a 32.7% 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, OH Β· Savannah, GA.