Georgia vs Florida: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Georgia vs Florida comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Atlanta to Jacksonville/Tampa comparison — GA's 5.39% flat + $35K retirement exemption against FL's no income tax + Save Our Homes cap.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Georgia | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 5.39% (flat) | None |
| State sales tax | 4.00% | 6.00% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.87% | 0.86% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $7.25/hr | $14.00/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | No | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $350,000 | $410,000 |
| Foreclosure type | non-judicial | judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 90.5 | 100.4 |
| Median household income (2024) | $71,355 | $67,900 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,520/mo | $1,810/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Georgia: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,830, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 4.00% on consumption.
- Florida: estimated state income tax $0 (no state income tax), plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.00% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Georgia ≈ $$3,480/year; Florida ≈ $$3,440/year.
Why this comparison? Atlanta to Jacksonville/Tampa comparison — GA's 5.39% flat + $35K retirement exemption against FL's no income tax + Save Our Homes cap.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Georgia or Florida?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Georgia has a cost-of-living index of 90.5 and Florida is 100.4 (US average = 100). Median household income: Georgia $71,355, Florida $67,900. Median 2-bedroom rent: Georgia $1,520/mo, Florida $1,810/mo. Georgia is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Georgia or Florida have lower income tax in 2026?
Florida has no state income tax; Georgia has a top rate of 5.39%. Florida is the clearly lower-income-tax state.
What about property taxes in Georgia vs Florida?
Georgia's average effective property tax rate is 0.87% (e.g., $3,480/year on a $400,000 home). Florida's rate is 0.86% ($3,440/year on $400K). Florida has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Georgia or Florida?
Georgia's 2026 minimum wage is $7.25/hour; Florida's is $14.00/hour. Florida is higher.