by Robert Borges on January 13, 2025
When people are looking to move to the South for retirement, they often ask how Georgia compares to Florida. While each state has its pros and cons, the one best for you depends on your priorities and preferences.
When comparing two locations, the key points to consider are the affordability of living there, state taxes on retirement income, the climate throughout the year, and the type of natural surroundings you’re looking for.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Where to Live
Although Florida has long been the go-to destination for retirees and active adults, Georgia has gained some ground in this market in recent years for good reason. When you take a closer look, you might be surprised at how much Georgia's fifty-five-plus communities have to offer and how Georgia ranks for retirement in the US.
Here’s an overview of some of the issues many active adults want to learn about before they move to a new location:
Cost of Living
Georgia is generally more affordable than Florida, particularly when it comes to housing. Because of its popularity and growing population, many homes in Florida are more expensive than in Georgia.
According to Bankrate, the median single-family home in Georgia is $388,000, while the median home in Florida is $433,000. The average monthly rent in Georgia is $1,365, while it is $1,687 in Florida.
Although Florida has more active adult communities to choose from than Georgia, the homeowner association fees and property insurance in that state also tend to be more expensive. Georgia has a variety of all-age and fifty-five-and-older communities with lower monthly fees and flexible community rules and regulations.
For retirees, Bankrate has ranked Georgia as the seventh most affordable state to live in during your golden years and Florida as the eighteenth.
Taxes on Retirement Income
While Florida has no income tax, Georgia’s tax rate is low and ranked thirty-two. Georgia does not tax Social Security income and offers tax-free income exceptions on some retirement income to lower the tax rate for active adults.
More specifically, Georgia may exclude $35,000 from retirement income tax for individuals who are sixty-two or older. Income up to $65,000 per year is tax-free for those over sixty-five years old.
The Weather
If you enjoy spending time outside, you may also want to consider the weather advantages for retirees in Georgia versus Florida. Florida is warm (and often very hot) year-round, but it is subject to hurricanes and tropical storms. Conversely, Georgia is quite warm in the summer, but it experiences distinct seasons and even has chilly, short winters in parts of the state.
Landscapes and Outdoor Lifestyles
If you’re happiest at the beach, Florida is probably your place. However, Georgia has a wider variety of terrain, including mountains, lakes, and coastal lowlands. Those who live there can spend their time in the mountains, on a lake, or near the ocean.
Both states offer a variety of outdoor activities. Florida is primarily known for its beaches, saltwater boating, and deep-sea fishing, while Georgia offers more opportunities for hiking in the woods, boating on a lake, and hunting.
Both states have plenty of opportunities to golf, hike, bike, play tennis or pickleball at master-planned communities.
Comparing the Two States
While one state may seem more desirable in one aspect, they each have their pros and cons. For example, even though Florida doesn’t have an income tax, it is more expensive to live there–especially along the coast. Georgia may have a more temperate climate, but it taxes some sources of income.
Turn to a Trusted Source for Your Comparison
When making a major life decision like whether to move to Florida or Georgia, you need to do your homework. Turn to the Private Communities portal to search the many developments we profile by location, amenities, price range, or by the nationally recognized developer who built the project.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can navigate directly from the PCR platform to the community website to learn more about what each community offers.
