Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $916 in Georgia versus $1,978 in Massachusetts. Overall, Georgia runs roughly 54% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $56,622 in Georgia and $94,755 in Massachusetts — about 40% higher in Massachusetts. Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.19% and a 4% state sales tax; Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Georgia vs Massachusetts — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Georgia or Massachusetts?
- Georgia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $916 runs about 54% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Georgia than in Massachusetts?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $37,000 a year in Georgia versus $79,000 in Massachusetts.
- Which has lower taxes, Georgia or Massachusetts?
- Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.19% and a 4% state sales tax. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Georgia/Massachusetts — 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.