Side-by-side for American retirees in 2026.
Underrated mid-Atlantic option. No sales tax, low property tax, and a meaningful pension exclusion. Coastal beach towns are surprisingly affordable.
One of the most generous states for retirees — up to $130K per couple of retirement income excluded from state tax. Mild climate, mountains, and Atlanta as a hub.
| Progressive, top 6.6% | Income tax | Flat 5.29% |
| Exempt | Social Security | Exempt |
| $12,500 pension exclusion at 60+ ($25K per couple) | Pension treatment | $65K/person retirement exclusion at 65+ — among the most generous in the US |
| 0.61% | Property tax (effective) | 0.81% |
| 0.00% | Avg combined sales tax | 7.40% |
| 102.7 | Cost of living (US=100) | 90.8 |
| None | Estate / inheritance tax | None |
| Four mild seasons. Coastal moderation keeps winters mild and summers tolerable. | Climate | Hot humid summers, mild winters in southern half; cooler in northern mountains. Long growing season. |
| Solid — ChristianaCare (Wilmington area), proximity to Penn Medicine and Johns Hopkins. | Healthcare | Strong — Emory Healthcare (Atlanta), Piedmont Healthcare. Solid coverage in mid-sized cities. |
| Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Wilmington | Top retirement cities | Athens, Savannah, Blue Ridge |
Senior school property tax credit up to $500 for 65+; some county-level senior tax relief
Standard $2,000 homestead + larger exemptions for 65+ in many counties; double for 65+ with income under ~$10K
Delaware: Underrated mid-Atlantic option. No sales tax, low property tax, and a meaningful pension exclusion. Coastal beach towns are surprisingly affordable. Georgia: One of the most generous states for retirees — up to $130K per couple of retirement income excluded from state tax. Mild climate, mountains, and Atlanta as a hub. The right choice depends on your income mix, climate preference, and whether state income tax matters more to you than property tax.
No, Delaware does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
No, Georgia does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Delaware's cost of living index is 102.7 (US = 100). Georgia's is 90.8. Georgia is cheaper on average.
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Open tax estimator →Tax data current as of 2026 publication. Rates and rules change annually — verify with a CPA before relocating. This page is educational and not personalized tax or legal advice.