Georgia vs Utah: Which State Keeps More Money in Your Pocket?
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Annual variance runs about $765 at $85,000 when comparing 5.75% versus 4.85%. Utah maintains appeal through outdoor recreation. young professionals demographics lean Utah for financial reasons; skiers sectors prefer Georgia despite tax differential.
When you stack up Georgia at 5.75% against Utah at 4.85%, $85,000 earners face roughly $765 in annual difference. It's one of those numbers that can sway a decision, depending on your priorities and circumstances.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Georgia at 5.75% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $85,000): Utah saves you ~$765
- **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 | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 1% - 5.75% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,350
Take Home: $38,650
+$590
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,025
Take Home: $57,975
+$885
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,375
Take Home: $96,625
+$1,475
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| 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. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
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
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
Tax-wise, Utah wins with about $765 annual savings at $85,000. Georgia maintains pull through outdoor recreation, which resonates particularly with skiers. Recent trends show young professionals moving to Utah, though Georgia continues drawing people who prioritize {factor}.📢 Share This Comparison
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