Georgia vs Pennsylvania: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Georgia at 5.75% compared to Pennsylvania at 3.07% creates roughly $2,010 gap at $75,000. Pennsylvania makes up ground with stability. Tax savings drive young professionals toward Pennsylvania, while traditionalists often find Georgia worth the premium for stability.
Between Georgia's 5.75% and Pennsylvania's 3.07%, the tax differential hits around $2,010 yearly at $75,000. That's real money in anyone's book, even if the decision ultimately comes down to more than just tax policy.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Georgia at 5.75% vs Pennsylvania at 3.07%
- **Annual savings** (on $75,000): Pennsylvania saves you ~$2,010
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Georgia | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 1% - 5.75% | 3.07% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,350
Take Home: $38,650
|
State Tax: $1,228
Take Home: $38,772
+$122
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,025
Take Home: $57,975
|
State Tax: $1,842
Take Home: $58,158
+$183
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,375
Take Home: $96,625
|
State Tax: $3,070
Take Home: $96,930
+$305
|
| Cost of Living | Georgia offers solid value in most areas. Atlanta's housing costs have increased with economic growth but remain well below major coastal cities. Quality homes in good Atlanta suburbs often sell for $300,000-400,000 - prices that would require $600,000+ in expensive metros. Savannah, Augusta, and Macon provide even better affordability. Property taxes stay moderate, though increasing in desirable areas. Groceries and services cost less than national averages. Atlanta traffic can be severe, but lower housing costs often allow living closer to work than in sprawling, expensive metros. Overall, your income stretches considerably further than in northeastern or western high-cost states. | Pennsylvania costs split dramatically. Philadelphia housing demands substantial income - median prices often exceed $300,000-400,000 in desirable areas. Pittsburgh offers better value despite renaissance. Suburbs surrounding major cities command premium pricing. Smaller cities like Allentown, Erie, and Scranton provide genuine affordability. Central Pennsylvania delivers excellent value. Property taxes run high statewide. No sales tax on clothing and groceries helps families. Overall, costs vary from expensive (Philadelphia) to affordable (central PA). |
Pros & Cons
Georgia
✓ Advantages
- Moderate state income tax topping at 5.75%
- Atlanta offers major city amenities at reasonable costs
- Strong job market in logistics, tech, and entertainment
- Mild climate with lower heating/cooling costs than extremes
- Growing economy attracting companies and workers
⚠ Considerations
- Atlanta traffic congestion can be severe
- Sales tax reaches 8-9% in metro Atlanta
- Property taxes increasing in desirable areas
- Hot humid summers
- Public transportation limited outside MARTA coverage
Pennsylvania
✓ Advantages
- Flat 3.07% state income tax is simple and predictable
- No state tax on retirement income benefits retirees
- Strong healthcare and education sectors provide stable employment
- Pittsburgh offers urban amenities at reasonable costs
- Historical cities with cultural attractions
⚠ Considerations
- Philadelphia imposes additional 3.79% city wage tax
- Property taxes can be high in some areas
- Cold winters with significant heating costs
- Some infrastructure challenges in older cities
- Sales tax at 6% plus 1-2% in some localities
Bottom Line
Pennsylvania saves you roughly $2,010 annually at $75,000, which adds up over time. Georgia keeps drawing people despite the tax premium, largely due to stability. You'll find young professionals gravitating toward Pennsylvania, while traditionalists often decide Georgia's advantages justify the cost.📢 Share This Comparison
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