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.
Four-season retirement with proximity to DC, the Blue Ridge, and the Chesapeake Bay. Income tax applies but a meaningful age 65+ deduction softens it.
| Flat 5.29% | Income tax | Progressive, top 5.75% |
| Exempt | Social Security | Exempt |
| $65K/person retirement exclusion at 65+ — among the most generous in the US | Pension treatment | $12K age deduction at 65+; Social Security fully exempt |
| 0.81% | Property tax (effective) | 0.82% |
| 7.40% | Avg combined sales tax | 5.77% |
| 90.8 | Cost of living (US=100) | 101.4 |
| None | Estate / inheritance tax | None |
| Hot humid summers, mild winters in southern half; cooler in northern mountains. Long growing season. | Climate | Four distinct seasons. Mild winters in the south/coast; cooler in the mountains. Warm humid summers. |
| Strong — Emory Healthcare (Atlanta), Piedmont Healthcare. Solid coverage in mid-sized cities. | Healthcare | Excellent — UVA Health (Charlottesville), VCU Health (Richmond), proximity to top DC-area systems. |
| Athens, Savannah, Blue Ridge | Top retirement cities | Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Roanoke |
Standard $2,000 homestead + larger exemptions for 65+ in many counties; double for 65+ with income under ~$10K
Real estate tax relief for elderly/disabled available in most localities — income limits vary
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. Virginia: Four-season retirement with proximity to DC, the Blue Ridge, and the Chesapeake Bay. Income tax applies but a meaningful age 65+ deduction softens it. 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, Virginia does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Georgia's cost of living index is 90.8 (US = 100). Virginia's is 101.4. Georgia is cheaper on average.
Enter your retirement income and see the after-tax difference between Georgia and Virginia 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.