Cost of Living in Tybee Island, GA

Population 3,121 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

158
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Tybee Island run well above the national baseline, with a median of $613,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $112,778 place the city among the better-paid Georgia metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Tybee Island sits roughly 20 miles east of Savannah. Median home values run roughly 172% higher than Savannah's $225,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 201
Rent 92

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Tybee Island

The median home value in Tybee Island is $613,400 — 101% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,214/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,778/year is 51% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Tybee Island has a cost of living index of 158 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$613,400
101% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$652,231
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,214/mo
8% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
42.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 89.3%
Renter-occupied 10.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,214
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,828/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
32.6 min
21% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.7%
Carpooled
2.7%
Walked
7.1%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
13.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$112,778
51% above avg
Per Capita Income
$52,145
Unemployment Rate
1.5%
68% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Labor Force Participation
41.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.5%
Graduate degree 22.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 63.8
Male median age 65.3
Female median age 63.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good
56%
Good air days/yr
108
Max AQI recorded
300
PM2.5 days
52
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Tybee Island, GA?

Tybee Island has a cost index of 158 (100 = national average). It is 58% above the national average.

What is average rent in Tybee Island, GA?

The median gross rent in Tybee Island is $1,214 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Tybee Island?

The median home value in Tybee Island is $613,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Tybee Island?

The median household income in Tybee Island is $112,778 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Tybee Island, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Tybee Island is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is Tybee Island, GA affordable?

Tybee Island is above average in cost of living, with an index of 158 — about 58% higher than the national average.