Georgia’s financial appeal centers on Atlanta — the Southeast’s largest economy — surrounded by some of the lowest costs of living in the eastern U.S. Metro Atlanta offers strong job markets in logistics (world’s busiest airport), healthcare, fintech, film production, and Fortune 500 headquarters (Home Depot, UPS, Delta, Coca-Cola). Outside the metro, Georgia is deeply affordable, with home prices under $200,000 in many cities. The state moved to a 5.49% flat income tax in 2025 with further reductions planned. The key tradeoff is geographic: the Atlanta metro has urban amenities and job diversity but rising housing costs, while rural Georgia has rock-bottom costs but limited career options.
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