Charleston, United States vs Savannah, United States — A Retirement Comparison for 2026

Side-by-side numbers for the things that matter most when picking where to retire: monthly cost, healthcare, climate, visa rules, safety, and the strength of the expat community.

Comparison Table

MetricCharlestonSavannah
Monthly cost (single)$2,800$2,200
Monthly cost (couple)$4,200$3,400
2-bedroom rent$1,900$1,400
Healthcare / month$420$380
Healthcare quality5/54/5
Safety4/54/5
Expat community4/54/5
Overall rating5/54/5
Climatesubtropicalsubtropical
Avg temperature66°F68°F
Primary languageEnglishEnglish
English proficiencyhighhigh
Visa min income

Charleston at a glance

Historic port city with antebellum architecture, beaches, and renowned dining scene.

Pros

Watch-outs

Visa

No visa required

Full Charleston retirement guide

Savannah at a glance

Enchanting Southern city with oak-lined squares, rich history, and coastal charm.

Pros

Watch-outs

Visa

No visa required

Full Savannah retirement guide

Tax matters too

Cost is only half the story. Use the International Retirement Tax Estimator to see how United States and United States would tax your retirement income.

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