State Comparison

Florida vs Georgia

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.

By StateCalc Updated

Overall Score

5
Florida
FL
vs
of 16 metrics
11
Georgia
GA

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
FL: 100.7
GA: 90.6
GA

Housing

Typical Home Value
FL: $378,000
GA: $335,000
GA
2BR Fair Market Rent
FL: $1,973/mo
GA: $1,551/mo
GA
Closing Costs
FL: 2.50%
GA: 2.80%
FL
Transfer Tax Rate
FL: 0.70%
GA: 0.10%
GA

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
FL: 0.78%
GA: 0.79%
FL
Top Income Tax Rate
FL: None
GA: 4.99%
FL
Sales Tax Rate
FL: 6.00%
GA: 4.00%
GA
Top Capital Gains Rate
FL: None
GA: 4.99%
FL

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
FL: $77,735
GA: $79,991
GA
Minimum Wage
FL: $15.00/hr
GA: $7.25/hr
FL
Max Unemployment Benefit
FL: $275/wk
GA: $365/wk
GA

Business

LLC Filing Fee
FL: $125
GA: $110
GA
LLC Annual Fee
FL: $139
GA: $60
GA

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
FL: $1,865/yr
GA: $1,555/yr
GA
Avg Home Insurance
FL: $2,779/yr
GA: $1,828/yr
GA

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Georgia leads in 11 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $378,000 in Florida vs $335,000 in Georgia — a $43,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Florida has no income tax while Georgia has a 4.99% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.78% vs 0.79%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Florida's index is 100.7 and Georgia's is 90.6 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florida or Georgia more affordable?

Georgia has a lower cost of living index (90.6) compared to Florida (100.7), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Florida or Georgia?

It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, Florida is lower on more of them. Florida has no income tax, 6% state sales tax, and a 0.78% effective property tax rate. Georgia has a 4.99% top income tax, 4% state sales tax, and a 0.79% effective property tax rate.

What are housing costs in Florida vs Georgia?

The typical home value in Florida is $378,000 compared to $335,000 in Georgia (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $1,973/month in Florida vs $1,551/month in Georgia.

Which state is better for starting a business — Florida or Georgia?

LLC filing costs are $125 in Florida vs $110 in Georgia, with annual fees of $139 and $60 respectively. Florida's lack of income tax compared to Georgia's 4.99% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Florida to Georgia?

It depends on your priorities. Georgia wins in 11 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Comparing Florida and Georgia

When deciding between living in Florida or Georgia, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.

Florida (FL) has a median household income of $77,735 with a cost of living index of 100.7. Georgia (GA) has a median household income of $79,991 with a cost of living index of 90.6. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Florida calculator or Georgia calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.