A Travel Price Comparison for Georgia Blue Ridge vs. Savannah for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Savannah. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Savannah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Savannah. Although Blue Ridge and Savannah are both popular with visitors, Savannah has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Savannah is more popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights, while Blue Ridge is known for its nightlife, hiking, and small town charm. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Savannah is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. It is also home to Forsyth Park.

How is Blue Ridge different from Savannah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Savannah and Blue Ridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Savannah is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Savannah. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Savannah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Savannah can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Savannah. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Blue Ridge is a popular place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for Beaches?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Savannah is a good destination for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Savannah offers a nice beach destination. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.


Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for its Old Town?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Savannah is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Blue Ridge and Savannah.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Savannah is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.


Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Savannah is a family-friendly town. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Blue Ridge and Savannah both superb destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Couples visit Savannah frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Blue Ridge is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.


Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for Students?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Savannah is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Is Blue Ridge or Savannah Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Savannah is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Savannah a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Savannah

Savannah is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Savannah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Savannah or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Savannah. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Savannah. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Savannah.

Couples should spend more time in Savannah than Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Savannah that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Savannah? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Savannah 1-3

One day in Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and food around the scenic city of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Savannah, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Savannah, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Savannah, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Savannah is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Savannah or Blue Ridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, while the average daily cost in Savannah is $160. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Blue Ridge and Savannah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Savannah $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Savannah $168
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Savannah

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge or Savannah? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Blue Ridge


Hotels in Savannah


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Savannah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Savannah $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $430
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $255
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $221
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $204
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Prices for flights to both Savannah and Blue Ridge change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Blue Ridge $35
    Savannah $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $91
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $91
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106
  • True South Lunch Food Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Savannah $17

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Savannah are as follows:

  • "Savannah for Morons" Comedy Trolley Tour: $59
  • 1-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour in Savannah : $30
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Savannah: $35
  • 2-Hour Explore Savannah Bike Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Savannah Sunset Riverboat Cruise: $54
  • 5 Hours Tybee Island Exclusive Bus and Bike Combo Tour: $75
  • 60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah: $55
  • 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise: $41
  • Best of Savannah Small Group Tour w/ Wormsloe Historic Site: $139
  • Best of Savannah Small Group Walking Tour: $114
  • Bonaventure Cemetery Dark History Experience By Junket: $30
  • Bonaventure Cemetery Segway Tour: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Savannah $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • 90 Minute Historic Savannah Walking Haunted Bar Pub Crawl: $19
  • Captain Stoner Joe's Haunted Pub Crawl: $20
  • Spanish Moss Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl: $20
  • Captain Stoner Dive Bar Crawl Ticket: $25
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl-Walking Tour Historic District: $25
  • The Savannah Pub Crawler with Captain Stoner Joe: $27
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Conjuring Cocktails Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Blue Ridge and Savannah, we can see that Savannah is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Savannah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Savannah than you might in Blue Ridge.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Savannah Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Savannah, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge or Savannah?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Savannah in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Savannah. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Savannah in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Savannah fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Savannah. Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in July than Savannah. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Savannah 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Savannah in the Autumn?

Both Savannah and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Savannah in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is cooler than Savannah. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Savannah averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Savannah. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Savannah. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Savannah 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Savannah in the Winter?

Both Savannah and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than Savannah. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Savannah fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Savannah. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Savannah. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Savannah 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Savannah in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Savannah. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Blue Ridge is cooler than Savannah in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Savannah fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Savannah during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Savannah. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Savannah 66°F (19°C)

Typical Weather for Savannah and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Savannah
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 59°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 66°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)