Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,576 in Georgia. Overall, Arizona runs roughly 20% cheaper on rent than Georgia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $81,938 in Georgia — about 6% higher in Georgia. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.19% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
4%
+1.6 pp in Arizona
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
5.19%
+2.7 pp in Georgia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,576
+26% in Georgia
Median Home Value
$364,300
$420,600
+15% in Georgia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$81,938
+6% in Georgia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
62.6°F
+12.5°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Georgia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Georgia?
- Arizona is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,253 runs about 20% below Georgia's $1,576, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Georgia?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $63,000 in Georgia.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Georgia?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.19% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/Georgia — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.