Is Savannah expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Savannah is mid-priced for a popular US city: cheaper than Charleston, New York or San Francisco for hotels, but Historic District rooms are not cheap, especially on spring weekends. Expect about US$138 a day per person on a budget, about US$290 mid-range and about US$560 for comfort. Hotels, restaurant meals with tips and tax, and getting out to Tybee or Wormsloe take most of the money; the squares and parks are free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$70 | US$140 | US$280 |
| Food & drink | US$45 | US$85 | US$150 |
| Sights & tickets | US$15 | US$45 | US$80 |
| Local transport | US$8 | US$20 | US$50 |
| Per person, per day | US$138 | US$290 | US$560 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Savannah day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | about US$4–6 |
| Diner breakfast | US$12–18 |
| Southern lunch (shrimp and grits, fried chicken) | US$15–25 |
| Main at The Olde Pink House | about US$30–45 |
| Telfair Museums ticket (three sites) | about US$25–30 |
| Wormsloe State Historic Site | about US$10–12 |
| Rideshare from the airport | about US$30–40 |
| Downtown parking | about US$2–3 an hour or US$15–25 a day |
| Historic District hotel, double | US$200–350 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation takes the biggest share: chain hotels in Midtown or near the airport cost about US$110–170, Historic District inns and hotels US$200–350, and riverfront and boutique hotels US$350–650. Eating out is the next big cost, because menu prices exclude sales tax and a tip of 18–20% — a dinner at a well-known restaurant runs US$50–90 per person with drinks. Sights in the city are fairly cheap, and many are free. The extra costs are parking and a car or rideshare for Bonaventure, Wormsloe, Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island.
When it is cheaper
December to February and the hottest summer months, July and August, usually have the lowest hotel rates. Prices peak around St Patrick's Day in mid-March and on spring weekends.
How to spend less
- Stay in Midtown or by the airport and drive or rideshare in, if you do not mind the trip.
- Use the free DOT Express Shuttle and the free Savannah Belles Ferry instead of taxis.
- Eat your big meal at lunch, when Southern plates cost US$15–25.
- Buy one Telfair Museums ticket that covers the Owens-Thomas House, the Telfair Academy and the Jepson Center.
- Rent a car for just one day to see Bonaventure, Wormsloe, Fort Pulaski and Tybee together.
- Avoid St Patrick's Day week unless you are coming for the parade.
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Common questions
Is Savannah cheaper than Charleston?
Often a little, especially for hotels, but Historic District rooms are still expensive on spring weekends.
How much does dinner cost in Savannah?
About US$50–90 per person at a well-known restaurant with drinks, before an 18–20% tip.
How much money do I need per day in Savannah?
About US$138 per person on a budget, about US$290 mid-range and about US$560 for comfort, based on two people sharing.