Georgia vs. Tennessee
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $2,994 more a year in Tennessee. Prices are 5% higher in Georgia, so after adjusting for cost of living Tennessee comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| Georgia | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a flat income tax of 4.99% on taxable income. | Does not tax wages, so there is no state income tax withheld from paychecks. |
| Minimum wage | $7.25 | $7.25 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 96.3 | 91.9 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $4,669 | $4,456 |
| SUTA wage base | $9,500 | $7,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | Georgia take-home | Tennessee take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,609 | $42,355 | $1,747 more in Tennessee |
| $75,000 | $58,599 | $61,593 | $2,994 more in Tennessee |
| $100,000 | $74,939 | $79,180 | $4,242 more in Tennessee |
| $150,000 | $107,055 | $113,791 | $6,737 more in Tennessee |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $58,599 in Georgia buys what $60,854 buys in an average-priced state, and $61,593 in Tennessee buys what $67,043 does. To keep the same buying power moving from Georgia to Tennessee, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $71,555 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Georgia or Tennessee better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $2,994 more a year in Tennessee. Adjusted for prices, Tennessee comes out ahead by $6,189.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, Georgia or Tennessee?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $4,669 in Georgia and $4,456 in Tennessee.