Pennsylvania vs Georgia Taxes
Compare the total tax burden between Pennsylvania (3.07% flat) and Georgia (4.99% flat). Enter your income to see which state saves you more.
| Tax Component | Pennsylvania | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 |
| State Tax | $3,070 | $4,242 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| Total Tax | $23,890 | $25,062 |
| Take-Home | $76,110 | $74,939 |
| Effective Rate | 23.89% | 25.06% |
| Annual Difference | $1,172 less | $1,172 more |
The $1,172 difference is primarily because Georgia has a flat 5.2% income tax, while Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% income tax. At your income level, Georgia's marginal rate is 5.0% vs Pennsylvania's 3.1%.
Why the difference
You'd pay $1,172/year ($98/month) more in Georgia vs Pennsylvania.
Tax structure
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax, while Georgia has a flat 5.2% state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Pennsylvania's effective state rate is 3.1% vs 4.2% in Georgia — a 1.2 percentage point gap.
Pennsylvania local taxes
Many Pennsylvania municipalities levy an earned income tax (typically 1-3%); Philadelphia wage tax is 3.75% for residents.
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, the non-resident wage tax is 3.44%. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
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.
Pennsylvania Total Tax
$23,89023.89% effective rate
Georgia Total Tax
$25,06225.06% effective rate
Annual Savings
$1,172by living in Pennsylvania
Tax at Different Income Levels
| Income | Pennsylvania Total Tax | Georgia Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $15,710 | $16,402 | +$692 |
| $100,000 | $23,890 | $25,062 | +$1,172 |
| $150,000 | $40,814 | $42,946 | +$2,132 |
| $200,000 | $57,213 | $60,305 | +$3,092 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd pay $1,172/year ($98/month) more in Georgia vs Pennsylvania.
Tax structure
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax, while Georgia has a flat 5.2% state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Pennsylvania's effective state rate is 3.1% vs 4.2% in Georgia — a 1.2 percentage point gap.
Pennsylvania local taxes
Many Pennsylvania municipalities levy an earned income tax (typically 1-3%); Philadelphia wage tax is 3.75% for residents.
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, the non-resident wage tax is 3.44%. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
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
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07% — one of the lowest flat rates in the US. Some municipalities levy an additional earned income tax (typically 1-3%), and Philadelphia residents pay a 3.75% wage tax. PA does not tax retirement income (401k, IRA, Social Security).
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, the non-resident wage tax is 3.44%. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
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: Pennsylvania has a flat income tax (3.07% 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 Pennsylvania or Georgia?
Based on income tax alone, Pennsylvania has a lower tax burden. At $100K income, you'd save $1,172 annually in Pennsylvania compared to Georgia. However, total cost of living also depends on property taxes, sales taxes, and housing costs.
How much would I save moving from Georgia to Pennsylvania?
A single filer earning $100,000 would save approximately $1,172 per year in total taxes by living in Pennsylvania instead of Georgia. At $150,000 income, the savings change to $2,132 per year.
What is the income tax rate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax with rates of 3.07% flat.
What is the income tax rate in Georgia?
Georgia has a flat income tax with rates of 4.99% flat.