Illinois vs Georgia Taxes
Compare the total tax burden between Illinois (4.95% flat) and Georgia (4.99% flat). Enter your income to see which state saves you more.
| Tax Component | Illinois | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 |
| State Tax | $4,805 | $4,242 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| Total Tax | $25,625 | $25,062 |
| Take-Home | $74,375 | $74,939 |
| Effective Rate | 25.63% | 25.06% |
| Annual Difference | $564 more | $564 less |
The $564 difference is primarily because Illinois has a flat 5.0% income tax, while Georgia has a flat 5.2% income tax. At your income level, Illinois's marginal rate is 5.0% vs Georgia's 5.0%.
Why the difference
You'd save $564/year ($47/month) in Georgia vs Illinois.
Tax structure
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax, while Georgia has a flat 5.2% state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Georgia's effective state rate is 4.2% vs 4.8% in Illinois — a 0.6 percentage point gap.
Tip: The flat 4.95% rate means your effective state tax rate is close to 4.95% regardless of income — no progressive bracket benefit. Property taxes in Cook County (Chicago) can exceed $6,000-$10,000 on a median-value home.
Tip: Georgia's transition to a flat rate simplifies tax planning. The state's generous standard deduction ($15,000 single) reduces the effective rate, especially for lower-income earners. Combined with below-average cost of living, Georgia offers a balanced tax environment.
Illinois Total Tax
$25,62525.63% effective rate
Georgia Total Tax
$25,06225.06% effective rate
Annual Savings
$564by living in Georgia
Tax at Different Income Levels
| Income | Illinois Total Tax | Georgia Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $16,975 | $16,402 | Save $574 |
| $100,000 | $25,625 | $25,062 | Save $564 |
| $150,000 | $43,489 | $42,946 | Save $544 |
| $200,000 | $60,828 | $60,305 | Save $524 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd save $564/year ($47/month) in Georgia vs Illinois.
Tax structure
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax, while Georgia has a flat 5.2% state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Georgia's effective state rate is 4.2% vs 4.8% in Illinois — a 0.6 percentage point gap.
Tip: The flat 4.95% rate means your effective state tax rate is close to 4.95% regardless of income — no progressive bracket benefit. Property taxes in Cook County (Chicago) can exceed $6,000-$10,000 on a median-value home.
Tip: Georgia's transition to a flat rate simplifies tax planning. The state's generous standard deduction ($15,000 single) reduces the effective rate, especially for lower-income earners. Combined with below-average cost of living, Georgia offers a balanced tax environment.
Understanding Each State
Illinois
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% on all taxable income. While the rate is moderate compared to states like California or New York, Illinois's high property taxes (average ~2.08%, second-highest nationally) significantly increase the total tax burden, particularly for homeowners.
Tip: The flat 4.95% rate means your effective state tax rate is close to 4.95% regardless of income — no progressive bracket benefit. Property taxes in Cook County (Chicago) can exceed $6,000-$10,000 on a median-value home.
Georgia
Georgia switched to a flat income tax: 4.99% for 2026 (5.19% in 2025; previously progressive brackets up to 5.75%). Georgia's overall cost of living is below the national average, and the state offers a standard deduction of $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly.
Tip: Georgia's transition to a flat rate simplifies tax planning. The state's generous standard deduction ($15,000 single) reduces the effective rate, especially for lower-income earners. Combined with below-average cost of living, Georgia offers a balanced tax environment.
Key Comparison Points
Income tax structure: Illinois has a flat income tax (4.95% flat), while Georgia has a flat income tax (4.99% flat).
Beyond income tax: State tax comparisons should also consider property tax rates, sales tax, and cost of living. A state with no income tax may have higher property or sales taxes that offset the savings.
SALT deduction cap: Under OBBBA, the 2026 federal SALT cap is $40,400, phasing out above $505,000 MAGI toward a $10,000 floor. This limits the federal tax benefit of living in a high-tax state, so the gross state tax difference remains close to the net difference for most earners — especially high earners inside the phaseout.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Georgia?
Based on income tax alone, Georgia has a lower tax burden. At $100K income, you'd save $564 annually in Georgia compared to Illinois. However, total cost of living also depends on property taxes, sales taxes, and housing costs.
How much would I save moving from Illinois to Georgia?
A single filer earning $100,000 would save approximately $564 per year in total taxes by living in Georgia instead of Illinois. At $150,000 income, the savings change to $544 per year.
What is the income tax rate in Illinois?
Illinois has a flat income tax with rates of 4.95% flat.
What is the income tax rate in Georgia?
Georgia has a flat income tax with rates of 4.99% flat.