State Comparison

New York vs Georgia

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

5
New York
NY
1 tied
of 16 metrics
10
Georgia
GA

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
NY: 123.8
GA: 93.4
GA

Housing

Median Home Price
NY: $420,000
GA: $320,000
GA
Median 2BR Rent
NY: $1,640/mo
GA: $1,182/mo
GA
Closing Costs
NY: 3.80%
GA: 2.80%
GA
Transfer Tax Rate
NY: 0.40%
GA: 0.10%
GA

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
NY: 1.72%
GA: 0.92%
GA
Top Income Tax Rate
NY: 10.90%
GA: 5.39%
GA
Sales Tax Rate
NY: 4.00%
GA: 4.00%
Tie
Capital Gains Tax Rate
NY: 10.90%
GA: 5.39%
GA

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
NY: $74,314
GA: $65,030
NY
Minimum Wage
NY: $16.50/hr
GA: $7.25/hr
NY
Max Unemployment Benefit
NY: $504/wk
GA: $365/wk
NY

Business

LLC Filing Fee
NY: $200
GA: $100
GA
LLC Annual Fee
NY: $25
GA: $50
NY

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
NY: $2,340/yr
GA: $1,980/yr
GA
Avg Home Insurance
NY: $1,640/yr
GA: $2,050/yr
NY

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Georgia leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $420,000 in New York vs $320,000 in Georgia — a $100,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: New York has a 10.9% top income tax rate while Georgia has a 5.39% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.72% vs 0.92%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: New York's index is 123.8 and Georgia's is 93.4 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York or Georgia more affordable?

Georgia has a lower cost of living index (93.4) compared to New York (123.8), 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 — New York or Georgia?

Overall, Georgia has a lower combined tax burden. New York has a 10.9% top income tax, 4% sales tax, and 1.72% property tax. Georgia has a 5.39% top income tax, 4% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.

What are housing costs in New York vs Georgia?

The median home price in New York is $420,000 compared to $320,000 in Georgia. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,640/month in New York vs $1,182/month in Georgia.

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

LLC filing costs are $200 in New York vs $100 in Georgia, with annual fees of $25 and $50 respectively. New York's 10.9% top tax rate compared to Georgia's 5.39% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from New York to Georgia?

It depends on your priorities. Georgia wins in 10 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 New York and Georgia

When deciding between living in New York or Georgia, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

New York (NY) has a median household income of $74,314 with a cost of living index of 123.8. Georgia (GA) has a median household income of $65,030 with a cost of living index of 93.4.

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

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.