Cost of Living in Chatham County, Georgia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chatham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chatham County ranks #2,939 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Chatham County, Georgia
Chatham rents run hot versus U.S.
Chatham County renters spend 23.8% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average of roughly 21%. While the county's median household income of $69,575 trails the U.S. figure of $74,755, rent costs here demand a bigger slice of paychecks than most American counties.
Housing squeeze in Savannah's backyard
Chatham's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's least affordable counties, significantly above the state average of 18.6%. At $1,382 per month, median rent here exceeds Georgia's state average by $455, reflecting coastal Georgia's tighter market.
Chatham vs. regional housing costs
Chatham renters pay $1,382 monthly—roughly $155 more than Clarke County ($1,162) and $593 more than Chattooga County ($789). However, median home values in Chatham ($273,300) place it in the middle range regionally, more affordable than Cherokee County's $389,800 but pricier than Chattahoochee's $99,800.
Where Chatham dollars go
Renters dedicate nearly 24 cents of every dollar earned to housing, while homeowners spend 22.8% on monthly ownership costs. The median home value of $273,300 reflects a mix of affordability and coastal demand, squeezing both renters and buyers in this coastal market.
Considering Chatham? Know the trade-offs.
Chatham offers Savannah's amenities but demands higher housing costs than inland Georgia. Renters and buyers should compare the 23.8% rent burden here against more affordable counties inland, or budget carefully if the coastal lifestyle is worth the premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chatham County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Chatham County is affordable. The median rent is $1,382/month against a median household income of $69,575, putting rent at 23.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Chatham County pay $1,382/month on average, compared to $1,324/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $55,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $56,743/year. With a median household income of $69,575, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Chatham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Newton County where rent averages $1,331/month, Chatham County is approximately 4% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chatham County
Rent Burden
23.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,623
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.8%
of gross income
The median home in Chatham County may be a stretch
Median home value is $273,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,182 vs. your max of $1,623.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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