Moving from Savannah, GA to Tuscaloosa, AL
Relocating between Savannah, GA and Tuscaloosa, AL is a 450 mi drive β 8h 22m 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.
450 mi Β· 8h 22m by car Β· GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 16, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Atlanta, Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Savannah | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.206 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.603 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.269 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.012 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.9% moving from Savannah to Tuscaloosa β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $326,509 in Savannah to $228,947 in Tuscaloosa, a 7.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Savannah -3.5%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Savannah | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 57.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 67.5Β°F vs 64.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Savannah | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,546 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $56,782 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.68 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.9% lower in Tuscaloosa than Savannah.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tuscaloosa average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Savannah, GA?
The driving distance is 450 mi and the route typically takes 8h 22m via I 20 and I 16. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Savannah vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $56,782 in Savannah β a 14.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Savannah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $43,490 in the Savannah MSA, on total employment of 103,520 and 188,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Savannah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 7.9% lower than Savannah (87.722 vs 95.206, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Savannah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $326,509 in Savannah β a 29.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Savannah to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 450 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Savannah.
City profiles: Savannah, GA Β· Tuscaloosa, AL.