Living in Georgia: Income, Housing, Taxes & Cost of Living (2026)
By Wealthvieu
·
Updated
Table of Contents
Georgia at a Glance
| Metric |
Value |
National Rank |
| Population (2024) |
11.0 million |
8th |
| Median household income |
$71,355 |
29th |
| Median home price |
$320,000 |
Below average |
| Cost of living index |
95 |
Below average |
| State income tax |
5.49% flat (2025) |
Average |
| Sales tax (state + local avg) |
7.37% |
Average |
| Property tax (effective rate) |
0.90% |
Average |
Income and Housing
By Metro Area
| Metro Area |
Median Income |
Median Home Price |
Median Rent (2BR) |
Affordability |
| Atlanta (north suburbs) |
$95,000 |
$420,000 |
$1,800 |
Fair |
| Atlanta (overall) |
$80,900 |
$370,000 |
$1,650 |
Fair |
| Savannah |
$62,200 |
$310,000 |
$1,400 |
Good |
| Augusta |
$55,400 |
$225,000 |
$1,100 |
Excellent |
| Columbus |
$52,800 |
$200,000 |
$1,000 |
Excellent |
| Macon |
$46,400 |
$185,000 |
$950 |
Good |
| Athens |
$48,200 |
$280,000 |
$1,200 |
Fair |
| Valdosta |
$44,600 |
$175,000 |
$900 |
Good |
Taxes in Georgia
Georgia transitioned to a 5.49% flat tax in 2025 (from graduated rates up to 5.75%). Further reductions planned.
| Gross Income |
Federal |
GA Income Tax |
FICA |
Property ($320K) |
Total Rate |
| $75,000 |
$8,115 |
$3,298 |
$5,738 |
$2,880 |
26.7% |
| $100,000 |
$13,615 |
$4,671 |
$7,650 |
$2,880 |
28.8% |
| $150,000 |
$25,915 |
$7,416 |
$10,878 |
$2,880 |
31.4% |
Georgia Pros and Cons
| Financial Pros |
Financial Cons |
| Below-average cost of living (95 index) |
Flat tax rate (5.49%) slightly above average |
| Affordable housing outside Atlanta |
Higher sales tax in some counties |
| Strong Atlanta job market (Fortune 500 HQs) |
Rural areas have limited opportunities |
| Growing tech and film industry |
Above-average car insurance |
| No tax on Social Security |
Hot summers = higher AC costs |
| Military-friendly (many bases) |
Traffic congestion in Atlanta |
Related: Cost of Living by State | State Income Tax Rates | Property Tax by State | Average Rent by State
