10 Key Differences Between Savannah and Charleston

Hey everyone, I hope you are having an excellent day! Have you ever wondered about the differences between Savannah and Charleston? I love these 2 cities and spend lots of time exploring both.

Here is a comparison article for fun.

Leave me a comment if you would like to add more comparisons to this list!

Here are a few Savannah vs. Charleston differences that I’ve noticed during my many visits to Charleston, which is just a short 2-hour drive from Savannah.

I have lived in Savannah for nearly 20 years to the day.

1.  Charleston is Older Than Savannah.

It was founded in 1670! Charleston is one of the founding cities of the USA, which makes it extremely historical. Savannah was founded in 1733. Very, very historical as well, but there is this saying floating around: There is Savannah old money, but Charleston old money is a whole different beast.

Here’s an example: The Olde Pink House, one of the city’s most notable historic landmarks and well-known restaurants in Savannah, is owned by the Balish family of Charleston. Let me tell you how historic this building is -Parts of the declaration of independence where secretly drafted in the basement of the home during secret revolutionary meetings-. How much do you think this building is worth to be owned by a family?

2.  Charleston’s Downtown is Full of Palm Trees.

Palm trees do nothing to shield you from the heat during the summer.

I’m spoiled by the wind currents from the giant Savannah oaks, which offer a bit of relief during 100°F weather. So, Charleston, as fabulous as you are, the heat doesn’t take a break from punching me in the face while I stroll your streets in the summer months.

Savannah’s historic districts have gorgeous, giant, ANCIENT oaks everywhere with Spanish moss hanging. Everywhere. There’s always a canopy of fairytale-like shade as you stroll the streets and “squares” (small parks between the streets in downtown).

Note to self: Don’t go to Charleston in July or August, unless you want to stay inside with the AC all the time.

Point for Savannah in the summer. And let me tell you, Savannah summers are also HOT. It is no walk in the park either, no pun intended.

3.  The Party Lasts an Extra Hour in Savannah.

Charleston’s bars close at 2 am. Savannah bars close at 3 am. Point for Savannah.

4.  Charleston Doesn’t Have an Open Container Law.

Charleston does not have an Open Container Law—unlike Savannah—so during my visits, all these Charlestonians kept getting scandalized by me trying to walk outside with my drinks from the bar.

So now I’m supposed to act all civilized and sit down and finish my drink like a proper lady? I mandatorily have to finish this drink at the establishment where I purchased it? Instead of running rampant through the streets sipping liquors?

Sheesh. Okay, Charleston, we shall act proper, just for you.

What is this street drinking Savannah law you may wonder? It is called the open-container law: You can walk the streets in downtown Savannah while sipping an alcoholic beverage, legally.

Honestly, Charleston. I have to endure your HOT streets full of palm trees—no shadows, no breeze, and no refreshing beverage?

Savage. Definitely a point awarded to Savannah.

5.  It is More Expensive to Park in Downtown Savannah.

Downtown Charleston charges you for street parking from 9 am-6 pm vs. downtown Savannah charges you 8 am-8 pm.

Savannah actually used to be 8 am to 5 pm, but then they got greedy.

Both cities have free parking all day Sunday, thanks to all those hundreds of churches per street.

Point for Charleston.

6.  Charleston Loves Showing off its Style.

People in the streets are generally better dressed in Charleston… at least all the times I have visited, I noticed more polished looks all around.

This is just a general observation. Might have something to do with the lack of street drinking… might also have something to do with that Charleston old money.

Point for Charleston.

7.  This One is for the Apple Lovers…

Charleston has an Apple Store. Savannah doesn’t (I know, what?).

I’m sure all the Apple people understand me.

Savanah used to have an Apple store in Broughton Street a long time ago. But perhaps high rents made Apple leave us? I really don’t know.

PC and Android users, I know you don’t care. Heck, I used to be an Android girl, a simpler time for sure. There you go again, Charleston, flaunting all your riches.

Point for Charleston.

8.  Downtown Savannah is Greener.

Savannah has beautiful squares every other street in the downtown area. The green spaces in downtown Charleston are limited… I mean, just take a look at these downtown maps compared:

That’s a green point for Savannah. I don’t know why I started rating cities with points, but it happened spontaneously, so we’ll just keep running with it.

9.  Hurricanes Prefer Charleston.

Savannah is a WAY better place to be during a hurricane. And this is in no way Charleston’s fault, it is just unfortunate geographical placement. Check this out:

Savannah sits in that little inland nook while Charleston is more exposed and closer to the Atlantic Ocean trajectory. This little detail has devastated Charleston far more during hurricanes over the past 15 years.

It also makes it way more susceptible to flooding.

Sad but true. Point for Savannah.

10.  Sometimes, Size Matters.

In terms of population, Charleston is a bigger city than Savannah. Charleston has nearly 800k people vs. Savannah’s 400k.

This means that more high-profile shows and entertainment often happen in Charleston.

Definitively a point for Charleston here.

We went to see “The Smile” in concert last summer, which is Thom Yorke’s newest music project. And after seeing Radiohead a few times in concert, I can truthfully say that this was the closest I’ve ever been to Thom Yorke. It was amazing.

Conclusion.

Obviously, there are many more differences between these cities, but these are a few notable ones that jump to my mind.

Savannah still wins in my book of best places to live, but that’s just my Spanish Oak Tree and street-drinking loving persona. Both cities have lots going for them, and the best part? They are a short 2-hour drive away from each other.

So why settle? Eat one, and drink the other one.

Which one is your favorite city? And why? Want to add to my list? Share with me in the comments below.

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