Moving from Savannah, GA to Atlanta, GA
Relocating between Savannah, GA and Atlanta, GA is a 251 mi drive β 4h 42m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
251 mi Β· 4h 42m by car Β· GA
Distance & route
| Route through | GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 16, I 75, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Savannah | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.206 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.603 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.269 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.012 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.1% above Savannah β 95.206 β 100.058 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 5.1% above Savannah β $326,509 β $385,599 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Savannah -3.5%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Savannah | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 48.1" |
Expect 5.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Savannah | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,546 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $56,782 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.16 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.1% β $56,782 β $81,938 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Atlanta average 90Β°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
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Savannah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $326,509 in Savannah β a 18.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Atlanta more expensive than Savannah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 5.1% higher than Savannah (100.058 vs 95.206, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Atlanta, GA from Savannah, GA?
The driving distance is 251 mi and the route typically takes 4h 42m via I 16 and I 75. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Savannah to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 251 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 Savannah vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $56,782 in Savannah β a 44.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Savannah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $43,490 in the Savannah MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 188,970 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 Savannah.
City profiles: Savannah, GA Β· Atlanta, GA.