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Florida vs Georgia cost comparison?

I'm trying to figure out where to retire on a fixed income. Specifically, I'm looking at coastal areas in Florida versus Georgia. Property taxes, insurance (especially flood), and general cost of living are my main concerns. Assume a budget of around $3,000/month for all expenses.
AvatarSunshineStateBound• 30d ago

2 Answers

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Georgia generally has lower property taxes than Florida, but it depends heavily on the specific county and millage rates. Insurance can be tricky in both states due to hurricane risk; get quotes for specific properties you're considering. Groceries and utilities are comparable, but Florida has no state income tax, which can be a big plus on a fixed income. Don't forget to factor in HOA fees if you're looking at condos or planned communities; these can add significantly to your monthly expenses.
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Atlanta has state income tax, while Florida doesn't. Property taxes tend to be higher in some parts of Georgia, but this impacts homeowners more directly. For renting, Orlando and Atlanta are pretty close these days in many neighborhoods. You'll probably pay slightly more for rent in a desirable Atlanta area. Transportation costs might be a bit lower in Orlando depending on where you live and work, as it can be easier to get around without a car in some areas. Run a detailed after-tax calculation considering these factors.
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