Pennsylvania vs Georgia Taxes
Compare the total tax burden between Pennsylvania (3.07% flat) and Georgia (4.99% flat). Enter your income to see which state saves you more.
| Tax Component | Pennsylvania | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Federal tax | $13,170 | $13,170 |
| State tax | $3,070 | $4,242 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| Total tax | $23,890 | $25,062 |
| Take-home | $76,110 | $74,939 |
| Effective rate | 23.89% | 25.06% |
| Annual Difference | $1,172 less | $1,172 more |
The $1,172 difference is primarily because Georgia has a flat 5.2% income tax, while Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% income tax. At your income level, Georgia's marginal rate is 5.0% vs Pennsylvania's 3.1%.
Why the difference
You'd pay $1,172/year ($98/month) more in Georgia vs Pennsylvania.
Tax structure
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax, while Georgia has a flat 5.2% state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Pennsylvania's effective state rate is 3.1% vs 4.2% in Georgia — a 1.2 percentage point gap.
Pennsylvania local taxes
Many Pennsylvania municipalities levy an earned income tax (typically 1-3%); Philadelphia wage tax is 3.75% for residents.
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, you still owe the city's non-resident wage tax. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
Tip: Georgia's transition to a flat rate simplifies tax planning. The state's generous standard deduction ($15,000 single) reduces the effective rate, especially for lower-income earners. Combined with below-average cost of living, Georgia offers a balanced tax environment.
Pennsylvania Total Tax
23.89% effective rate
Georgia Total Tax
25.06% effective rate
Annual savings
by living in Pennsylvania
Tax at Different Income Levels
| Income | Pennsylvania Total Tax | Georgia Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $15,710 | $16,402 | +$692 |
| $100,000 | $23,890 | $25,062 | +$1,172 |
| $150,000 | $40,814 | $42,946 | +$2,132 |
| $200,000 | $57,213 | $60,305 | +$3,092 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd pay $1,172/year ($98/month) more in Georgia vs Pennsylvania.
Tax structure
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax, while Georgia has a flat 5.2% state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Pennsylvania's effective state rate is 3.1% vs 4.2% in Georgia — a 1.2 percentage point gap.
Pennsylvania local taxes
Many Pennsylvania municipalities levy an earned income tax (typically 1-3%); Philadelphia wage tax is 3.75% for residents.
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, you still owe the city's non-resident wage tax. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
Tip: Georgia's transition to a flat rate simplifies tax planning. The state's generous standard deduction ($15,000 single) reduces the effective rate, especially for lower-income earners. Combined with below-average cost of living, Georgia offers a balanced tax environment.
Understanding Each State
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07% — one of the lowest flat rates in the US. Many municipalities levy an additional earned income tax, and Philadelphia residents pay a city wage tax on top of the state rate. PA does not tax retirement income (401k, IRA, Social Security).
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, you still owe the city's non-resident wage tax. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
Georgia
Georgia taxes income at a flat 4.99% for 2026 (it previously used progressive brackets). Georgia's overall cost of living is below the national average, and the state offers a standard deduction of $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly.
Tip: Georgia's transition to a flat rate simplifies tax planning. The state's generous standard deduction ($15,000 single) reduces the effective rate, especially for lower-income earners. Combined with below-average cost of living, Georgia offers a balanced tax environment.
Key Comparison Points
Income tax structure: Pennsylvania has a flat income tax (3.07% flat), while Georgia has a flat income tax (4.99% flat).
Beyond income tax: State tax comparisons should also consider property tax rates, sales tax, and cost of living. A state with no income tax may have higher property or sales taxes that offset the savings.
SALT deduction cap: Under OBBBA, the 2026 federal SALT cap is $40,400, phasing out above $505,000 MAGI toward a $10,000 floor. This limits the federal tax benefit of living in a high-tax state, so the gross state tax difference remains close to the net difference for most earners — especially high earners inside the phaseout.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Georgia?
Based on income tax alone, Pennsylvania has a lower tax burden. At $100K income, you'd save $1,172 annually in Pennsylvania compared to Georgia. However, total cost of living also depends on property taxes, sales taxes, and housing costs.
How much would I save moving from Georgia to Pennsylvania?
A single filer earning $100,000 would save approximately $1,172 per year in total taxes by living in Pennsylvania instead of Georgia. At $150,000 income, the savings change to $2,132 per year.
What is the income tax rate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax with rates of 3.07% flat.
What is the income tax rate in Georgia?
Georgia has a flat income tax with rates of 4.99% flat.