Pros and Cons of Moving from Georgia to Florida

Thinking about trading the Peach State for the Sunshine State?

It is one of the most common move questions I get, and the honest answer is not as simple as "no income tax." Florida has real advantages and Georgia has real advantages, and the right answer depends on your income, your home equity, and how you feel about hurricane season.

Florida has no state income tax. Georgia's flat rate is 4.99% for 2026, with a path down to 3.99% if revenue goals are met.

On a $100,000 income, that is roughly $3,400 a year saved in Florida. That is real money, and it is usually the first thing people quote me. It just is not the whole picture.

Georgia's cost of living is roughly 12% lower overall, and closer to 24% lower once rent is factored in.

The median home price runs about $327,000 in Georgia versus $397,000 in Florida, and rent runs about 22% higher in Florida. Housing is where the Sunshine State premium shows up first.

This is the number that surprises most people. Florida averages $5,800 to $8,300 a year for homeowners insurance. Georgia runs about $1,900 to $2,300.

That is $4,000 to $6,000 a year extra before you add flood coverage. On a monthly payment, that is the difference between a comfortable payment and a tight one.

Property taxes are nearly a wash. Georgia's effective rate is 0.79% versus Florida's 0.78%, which is about $40 a year on a $400,000 home.

When people tell me Florida is cheaper because of taxes, the property tax line is usually where that argument gets quiet.

Warm winters, the coast, no state income tax, no estate tax (same as Georgia), and big job markets in Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida.

The tax math favors Florida for high earners and retirees above roughly $65,000 in annual income. If that is you, the numbers lean south.

Lower overall living costs, the mountains, four seasons, and much higher insurance. Those are the trade-offs, and they are not small.

Georgia also has a $65,000 retirement income exemption, which makes the two states nearly identical for many retirees. The tax advantage shrinks fast once that exemption applies.

Florida wins for people chasing no income tax, the coast, and warmer winters who can absorb higher housing and insurance costs.

Georgia wins for budget-conscious buyers, anyone who dislikes hurricane season, and people who want more house for the money. For most of my clients, that last group is the bigger one.

Figures in this post are general comparisons, not estimates for a specific home, policy, or tax return. Verify rates, premiums, and exemptions with a licensed professional before you make a move.

Rob Dietrich | eXp Realty

Georgia REALTOR® | License #384162