A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Ocean City for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Savannah or Ocean City?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Ocean City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Savannah

Savannah is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. Savannah offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Savannah travel costs.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a fun-filled, laid back, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Savannah and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Savannah or Ocean City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Savannah than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Savannah is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Savannah and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. Also, Savannah is famous for Forsyth Park.

How is Savannah different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Ocean City?

Savannah
Ocean City

Savannah is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

Savannah offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.


Is the Food Better in Savannah or Ocean City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah
Ocean City

Savannah is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Savannah is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Savannah or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Ocean City

Both Savannah and Ocean City are high quality when it comes to partying.

Savannah offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Savannah or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

Savannah
Ocean City

Ocean City is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Savannah is not a resort destination.

Ocean City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Savannah is not a resort destination.


Is Savannah or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Ocean City

Ocean City is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

Ocean City is considered a top beach destination. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Savannah or Ocean City Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Ocean City

Savannah is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Ocean City?

Savannah
Ocean City

Savannah is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Savannah. 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.


Is Savannah or Ocean City More Beautiful?

Savannah
Ocean City

Savannah is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Savannah offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Savannah or Ocean City Better for Families?

Savannah
Ocean City

Ocean City is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Ocean City is a very family-friendly destination. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Savannah is a family-friendly city. 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 Savannah or Ocean City Better for Couples?

Savannah
Ocean City

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Ocean City make for a high quality place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.


Is Savannah or Ocean City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Ocean City

Savannah is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Savannah. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Savannah or Ocean City Better for Students?

Savannah
Ocean City

Savannah is a popular place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Savannah is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Savannah
Ocean City

Both Savannah and Ocean City offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.


Is Savannah or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Savannah
Ocean City

Savannah is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Ocean City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Ocean City?

Both Savannah and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Savannah. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

Families should spend more time in Ocean City than Savannah. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ocean City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Ocean City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Savannah.


  • How many days in Savannah or Ocean City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Savannah 1-3 
    Ocean City 3-7

One day in Savannah or Ocean City?

With museums and nightlife around the historic 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.

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Savannah or Ocean City?

With nightlife and food 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.

Ocean City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Savannah or Ocean City?

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.

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

A week in Savannah or Ocean City?

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.

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Ocean City or Savannah?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Savannah Prices
    USA Prices
    Ocean City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Savannah $202
    Ocean City $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $202, while the average daily cost in Ocean City is $196. 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 Savannah and Ocean City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Ocean City $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Ocean City $166
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Ocean City

Looking for a hotel in Savannah or Ocean City? 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 Savannah


Hotels in Ocean City


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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Ocean City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Ocean City $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Savannah (SAV) Airport: $36
  • One Way Private Transfer to/from Savannah Int'l: $68
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Savannah Airport to Tybee Island Transfer : $100
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Hilton Head Island, SC: $243
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $243

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Ocean City?

Prices for flights to both Ocean City and Savannah 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
    Savannah $99
    Ocean City $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

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

  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Savannah Riverboat Gospel Music Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Southern & Secret Walking Food Tour: $92
  • Southern and Secret Food Tour: $92
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $93
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $93
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $97
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106
  • Private Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking with Ninoska in Savannah: $109
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $125
  • True South Lunch Food Tour: $125
  • Savannah’s Palate – Private Historic Food Tour: $1,429

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Ocean City $18
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:

  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Savannah in 6 Languages: $5.00
  • Savannah Waterfront: Pirate Adventure Walking Game: $5.98
  • Savannah Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.69
  • Self-Guided 'Old Squares of Savannah' Solo Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Ghosts of Savannah Self-Guided Haunted Audio Tour App/EMF Reader: $9.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Savannah by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Ghost Tour Through Savannah Shadows: $10
  • Skip the Line: General Admission Webb Military Museum Ticket: $10
  • Savannah’s Historical District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Haunted Savannah Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Historic Savannah Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Savannah GA: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Ocean City $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Haunted Hops Savannah Pub Tour Spirits and Brews: $25
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Bad Kitty Pub Crawl, Spooky Naughty Ghosts: $30
  • Savannah Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32
  • Moonlight Happy Hour Haunted Pub Crawl With Captain Stoner: $33
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl in Historic Savannah: $33
  • Moonlight Happy Hour Pub Crawl with Captain Stoner: $33
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl: $33
  • 10 to Midnight Happy Hour and Haunted Pub Crawl w/ the Captain: $33
  • Late Night Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33
  • Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33


When comparing the travel costs between Savannah and Ocean City, we can see that Savannah is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Ocean City?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Ocean City, 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 Savannah or Ocean City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Savannah or Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Savannah are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Savannah because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In July, Savannah is generally a little warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 82°F (28°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. It's quite rainy in Savannah. In July, Savannah usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Savannah gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Savannah 82°F (28°C) 
    Ocean City 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City and Savannah during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Savannah this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene.

Savannah is a little warmer than Ocean City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savannah averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Ocean City fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Savannah usually gets less rain in October than Ocean City. Savannah gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Savannah 68°F (20°C) 
    Ocean City 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Savannah and Ocean City. Many travelers come to Savannah for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Savannah is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savannah in January average around 49°F (9°C), and Ocean City averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In January, Savannah usually receives less rain than Ocean City. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Savannah 49°F (9°C) 
    Ocean City 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Savannah or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Savannah as well as Ocean City. Many visitors come to Savannah in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months.

In April, Savannah is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Savannah average around 66°F (19°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Savannah usually gets less rain in April than Ocean City. Savannah gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Savannah 66°F (19°C) 
    Ocean City 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Savannah

Savannah Ocean City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 49°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 59°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Apr 66°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 69°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)