Georgiaflat 5.49% income tax, 24th lowest property tax, median home $340K
R+2 · Moderate tax burden · COL index 91
5.49%
Income Tax
499
Violent Crime / 100K
75.2
Life Expectancy
$340K
Median Home
$1,050
Childcare / Mo
Georgia in plain English
Worth knowing before you move to Georgia
Georgia moved to a flat income tax in 2024 with a rate scheduled to fall each year, and it exempts up to $65,000 of retirement income per person for residents 65 and over. Metro Atlanta holds more than half the state's population and its airport is the busiest in the world by passengers. Property taxes vary widely by county because school districts set most of the rate.
What Georgia taxes, and what it doesn't
Georgia levies a flat 5.49% income tax. A household earning $75,000 pays an effective 5.5%, about $4,117 a year; at $150,000 the effective rate is 5.5%. Among the 41 states that tax income, Georgia has the 11th highest effective rate at $100,000 of income.
Property tax runs 0.81% of home value a year, roughly $2,754 on the state's median home of $340K. The national effective rate is about 1.10%, and Georgia has the 24th lowest rate of the 50 states.
Combined state and local sales tax averages 7.35%, the 19th highest in the country (the state portion is 4%).
For retirees: Social Security benefits are not taxed, pension income is partly exempt, and there is no estate or inheritance tax.
Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income.
Housing and the cost of living in Georgia
Georgia's cost of living index is 91, where 100 is the national average; that is the 13th cheapest of the 50 states.
The median home costs $340K, 12% above the national figure and the 24th lowest among the states. A two-bedroom rents for about $1,600 a month.
Carrying costs matter as much as the price: home insurance averages $2,200 a year, flood coverage adds about $850 where it is needed, car insurance runs $2,180.
Budget $145 a month for electricity and gas, $450 a month in groceries for two, $1,050 a month for full-time infant care.
Safety, health and schools
Violent crime is 499 incidents per 100,000 residents in the FBI's 2023 Crime Data Explorer figures, above the median state (387); Georgia is the 11th most violent of the 50 by that measure. Property crime is 2,212 per 100,000.
Life expectancy is 75.2 years (County Health Rankings 2024). 14.1% of residents have no health insurance, and the state has not expanded Medicaid. The Commonwealth Fund's 2023 scorecard ranks Georgia's health system 37th of 50.
Education Week's 2023 Quality Counts report ranks K-12 schools 32nd in the country, and the state runs a school-choice voucher program.
Politics, guns and social policy
Politically, Georgia is a swing state decided by Trump by 2 points in 2024.
On guns, no permit is required to carry a concealed handgun, and Giffords grades the state's gun laws F.
Abortion is banned with narrow exceptions. Marijuana is medical only. Georgia is a right-to-work state, and the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
Climate, risk and getting around
Natural disaster risk is high. The main hazards are hurricane, tornado, flood. Annual average air quality index is 36 (under 50 is good).
Georgia has a major hub airport, with about 200 nonstop destinations from its busiest airport.
Written from the figures on this page. Rankings compare the 50 states. Sources and years are listed with each figure below.
Largest counties in Georgia
State Profile
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
Income Tax
Flat rate, reducing toward 4.99% by 2029
Property Tax
~$2,754/yr on median home
Sales Tax
Social Security
Pension / IRA
Estate Tax
Inheritance Tax
Capital Gains
Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
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Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
Price Level vs US (BEA)
Near US average (100)
Mortgages 90+ Days Late
FHFA, latest quarter
Cost of Living Index
National avg = 100
Median Home Price
Median Rent (2BR)
Home Insurance
Near national avg (~$1,900/yr)
Flood Insurance
Homestead Exemption
Home equity protected from creditors
Asset Protection
Homes in HOAs
HOAs are common (Census ACS 2024)
Zoning Restrictiveness
Among the least restrictive zoning (Wharton WRLURI 2018)
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb)
No statewide STR definition; entirely local control; state hotel-motel fee applies.
Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
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Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
Violent Crime Rate
Near national avg
Property Crime Rate
Near national avg
Traffic Fatality Rate
Registered Sex Offenders
Below the state median (SafeHome 2025)
Homeless Population
Moderate homelessness rate — 54% unsheltered (HUD 2024 PIT)
Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
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Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
State Healthcare Rank
Life Expectancy
Medicaid Expansion
Uninsured Rate
Above national avg (~9%)
Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
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Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
College Completion Rate
College Scorecard, in-state institutions (mean)
Avg College Cost of Attendance
College Scorecard 2024
K-12 Quality Rank
School Choice / Vouchers
HS Graduation Rate
Near national avg (~87%)
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Near national avg (~16)
Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
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Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
Avg Infant Care (Full-Time)
Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
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Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
Grid Carbon Intensity
Near US average (~820)
Avg Monthly Energy Bill
Electricity Rate
Below national avg (13¢)
Energy Mix
Avg Monthly Groceries
2-person household, moderate spending
Road Quality Rank
Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
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Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
Nonstop Destinations
From state's primary airport
Major Hub Airport
Top-25 US airport by passengers
Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
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Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
Urban Population
Mix of urban and rural
Restaurant Density
Religious Congregations
Pro Sports Teams
NFL + NBA + MLB + NHL + MLS
Major Venues
Stadiums, arenas, amphitheaters (10K+ capacity)
Craft Breweries
1.5/100K residents — Growing
Craft Distilleries
Strong spirits scene
Live Music
Atlanta hip-hop capital; Athens (R.E.M., B-52s birthplace); Music Midtown
Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
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Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
Car Insurance (Avg Annual)
Traffic Fatality Rate
Broadband Access
Work From Home
State residents who primarily work from home (ACS)
Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
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Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
Formal Volunteering Rate
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023 (US ~28%)
Votes in Local Elections
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023
Abortion Access
6-week ban with exceptions
LGBTQ+ Protections
Marijuana
Minimum Wage
Right to Work
Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Gambling
State Lottery
No casinos. Sports betting legislation repeatedly attempted. Lottery funds HOPE scholarships (strong program).
Age of Consent
Sex Education
Sex ed required by state
Nude Beaches & Naturist Clubs
White Tail Resort · Serendipity Park · Creek Side Nudist Resort
Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
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Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
Air Quality (Annual AQI)
Near national avg
Natural Disaster Risk
Primary Hazards
Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
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Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
2024 Presidential Vote
Gun Laws
Carry Permit
Purchase Permit Required
Carry in Bars
Carry in Restaurants
Carry in Places of Worship
Bars allowed unless owner objects; worship carry only with church approval (opt-in).
Gambling
Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
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Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
Job Openings Rate (JOLTS)
Near US average (~4.5%)
Quits Rate (JOLTS)
Workers quit when they can find better; BLS 2024 average
Job Market
+2.1% job growth · 3.4% unemployment
Top Industries
Tech Jobs
Strong tech presence
Healthcare Jobs
Remote Work
Median Household Income
Union Membership
Below-average union presence (BLS 2025)
Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
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Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
Corporate Income Tax
LLC Formation Fee
LLC Annual Fee
Business Climate Rank
Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
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Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
Gas Price (Regular)
Well below avg (-0.33 vs national avg)
Consumer Fireworks
Broad consumer fireworks legality statewide
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Required for all riders (IIHS 2026)
Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
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Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
Winter Severity
Avg January high: 53°F
Summer Heat
Hot summers
Annual Rainfall
Tornado Risk
Hurricane Risk
Wildfire Risk
Flood Risk
Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
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Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
Venomous Snakes
Spider Hazard
Hurricane Risk
Tornado Risk
Wildfire Risk
Earthquake Risk
Armadillo Leprosy Risk
Danger score is a composite index. Methodology ↗
Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
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Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
Veteran-Friendly Score
8.5% of state population are veterans
Property Tax Exemption
Disabled vet homestead exemption
Military Retirement Pay
Active Duty Pay
VA Facilities Access
Notable Benefits
Explore Georgia counties
Income, housing, poverty, healthcare — ranked by county
See your full cost of living in Georgia
Housing, taxes, childcare, insurance — all estimated.
Compare Similar States
GA vs LA
Georgia vs Louisiana
COL 91 vs 91 · 5.49% vs 3% income tax
Full comparison →
GA vs NE
Georgia vs Nebraska
COL 91 vs 91 · 5.49% vs 3.99% income tax
Full comparison →
GA vs TN
Georgia vs Tennessee
COL 91 vs 92 · 5.49% vs No income tax
Full comparison →
GA vs SC
Georgia vs South Carolina
COL 91 vs 93 · 5.49% vs 6.2% income tax
Full comparison →
Trending in Georgia
Week In Review: Governor candidates weigh in on Flock and Georgia's EV industry adjusting to rough times - WABE
WABE · Sep 4
Georgia governor race heats up with Bottoms' grocery tax plan, Jackson's online predator crackdown - WJCL
WJCL · Sep 3
Negative blitzes, youth testimonials: Georgia voters flooded by record-breaking ad war - WRDW
WRDW · Sep 7
Polls vs Prediction Markets in Georgia’s Governor and Senate Races - Cobb Courier
Cobb Courier · Sep 6
Georgia Republicans Go With Trump’s Pick for Senate, but Not Governor - The New York Times
The New York Times · Sep 3
What Residents Say
Moving to Georgia....unsure where....
If you like small towns I'd recommend Cartersville, Rome, Dalonega, check google maps to find other options but the cost of living will be low ......
reddit.com ↗
First year in Georgia, how is this bullsh*t justified?
Georgia has a gas tax of $0.279/gallon. Taking $213.88. The fee is $50 added to your normal registration and taxes cost. flat $75 registration ......
reddit.com ↗
Have Georgians had enough of high utility bills? Will this ...
Last year, for the first time in >25 years, Georgians ousted 2 Republican incumbents and elected 2 Democrats to replace them on the Public Service Commission .....
reddit.com ↗
Which advise would you give someone who is moving to ...
edit: Metro Atlanta!...
reddit.com ↗
How is Atlanta (and its metro area) like as a place to live in?
The title is basically my question. Some criteria to discuss in your responses are the job market, social scene, things to do, and overall vibe/safety...
reddit.com ↗
Sooooo i live in Georgia(ga)... what state should i move to? ...
Cost of living is kind of high here as well and overall things will be a bit more expensive than GA so keep that in mind....
reddit.com ↗
Atlanta Cost of Living
83k is fine if you get a place further north. You can find a easily get a decent 2bed/2bath apartment for $1400-1600. You're looking at roughly ......
reddit.com ↗
Georgia is the most expensive state to own a car. - Atlanta
Georgia drivers pay above the national average for other annual costs, including $385 for repairs, $1,952 in taxes and fees, $1,129 for gasoline ......
reddit.com ↗
The two states I'm thinking of moving to are the two top ...
Blue states have high taxes and high cost of living. cost of living, no state income tax, and warm weather....
reddit.com ↗
California or stay in georgia? : r/MovingToLosAngeles
Move back to California or stay in Georgia? Context: I live in a travel trailer that I'm paying off every month for $300. Barely making it due to ......
reddit.com ↗
Georgia will change its laws. We'll email you when it does.
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Georgia Guides
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Data is informational only. Verify with a tax professional, real estate agent, and local sources before making relocation decisions. Crime data: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023. Healthcare: Commonwealth Fund 2023; life expectancy from County Health Rankings 2024. Education: Education Week 2023. Housing: Zillow monthly index and Census ACS 2022. Insurance: rate surveys 2024. Sponsored links marked “Sponsored” may earn a commission. This does not affect our data or rankings.