Side-by-side for American retirees in 2026.
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 northeastern retirement haven for snowbirds who can't quite leave the seasons. No wage income tax, no sales tax, and pristine outdoor lifestyle.
| Flat 5.29% | Income tax | No state income tax |
| Exempt | Social Security | Exempt |
| $65K/person retirement exclusion at 65+ — among the most generous in the US | Pension treatment | All retirement income state-tax-free (since 2025) |
| 0.81% | Property tax (effective) | 1.93% |
| 7.40% | Avg combined sales tax | 0.00% |
| 90.8 | Cost of living (US=100) | 109.7 |
| None | Estate / inheritance tax | None |
| Hot humid summers, mild winters in southern half; cooler in northern mountains. Long growing season. | Climate | Four full seasons including snowy winters. Mild summers (70–80°F), cold winters (often below 20°F). |
| Strong — Emory Healthcare (Atlanta), Piedmont Healthcare. Solid coverage in mid-sized cities. | Healthcare | Excellent — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is one of the top academic systems in the country. |
| Athens, Savannah, Blue Ridge | Top retirement cities | Portsmouth, Hanover, Wolfeboro |
Standard $2,000 homestead + larger exemptions for 65+ in many counties; double for 65+ with income under ~$10K
Property tax exemption for elderly (varies sharply by town) with age 65/75/80 tiers
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. New Hampshire: The northeastern retirement haven for snowbirds who can't quite leave the seasons. No wage income tax, no sales tax, and pristine outdoor lifestyle. The right choice depends on your income mix, climate preference, and whether state income tax matters more to you than property tax.
No, Georgia does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
No, New Hampshire does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Georgia's cost of living index is 90.8 (US = 100). New Hampshire's is 109.7. Georgia is cheaper on average.
Enter your retirement income and see the after-tax difference between Georgia and New Hampshire in 30 seconds.
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.