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.
Cheaper than its northern neighbor, with one of the most generous retirement income deductions in the country. Coastal retirement hubs and historic charm.
| Flat 5.29% | Income tax | Progressive, top 6.2% |
| Exempt | Social Security | Exempt |
| $65K/person retirement exclusion at 65+ — among the most generous in the US | Pension treatment | $15K/person retirement deduction at 65+; Social Security fully exempt |
| 0.81% | Property tax (effective) | 0.53% |
| 7.40% | Avg combined sales tax | 7.50% |
| 90.8 | Cost of living (US=100) | 95.0 |
| None | Estate / inheritance tax | None |
| Hot humid summers, mild winters in southern half; cooler in northern mountains. Long growing season. | Climate | Warm humid summers, mild winters. Low country (Charleston, Hilton Head) is hot and humid; upstate (Greenville) is cooler. |
| Strong — Emory Healthcare (Atlanta), Piedmont Healthcare. Solid coverage in mid-sized cities. | Healthcare | Solid in major metros — MUSC (Charleston), Prisma Health (Greenville). More limited in rural areas. |
| Athens, Savannah, Blue Ridge | Top retirement cities | Hilton Head Island, Charleston, Bluffton |
Standard $2,000 homestead + larger exemptions for 65+ in many counties; double for 65+ with income under ~$10K
$50K homestead exemption + first $100K of home value exempt from school operating tax for 65+
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. South Carolina: Cheaper than its northern neighbor, with one of the most generous retirement income deductions in the country. Coastal retirement hubs and historic charm. 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, South Carolina does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Georgia's cost of living index is 90.8 (US = 100). South Carolina's is 95.0. Georgia is cheaper on average.
Enter your retirement income and see the after-tax difference between Georgia and South Carolina 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.