Columbus vs Savannah: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Columbus, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Savannah, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,571 | $64,995▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.27 | $31.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,022 | $40,522▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,330 | $50,150▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,930 | $84,667▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,857 | $103,182▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Savannah, GA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Savannah is $12,424 (23.63%). Savannah's median is -19.15% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $60,835,Savannah spans $62,660. Savannah has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Savannah ($68,268 effective) pays 15.96% more than Columbus ($58,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Savannah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,995/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,182)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,268)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Columbus grew -49.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -21.2% growth in Savannah over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$99,040 (2021) → $50,317 (2025)
Savannah, GA
$78,900 (2021) → $62,208 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Savannah, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Columbus or Savannah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Savannah?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Savannah as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Columbus vs Savannah?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov