Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from North Carolina to Georgia
North Carolina and Georgia are both cutting income taxes on legislated timetables — but North Carolina is further along and reducing faster. In 2024, NC charges 4.5% flat vs Georgia's 5.39% — already a 0.89 percentage point gap that saves $890/year at $100,000 income. By 2030, NC's rate drops to 2.49% while Georgia's planned floor is 4.99% — a dramatic 2.5 percentage point advantage for NC in the long term. North Carolina also has a marginally lower property tax rate (~0.82% vs Georgia's ~0.92%). North Carolina's Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and Charlotte metros are among the fastest-growing in the nation, with strong tech, financial services, and life sciences industries. Georgia's Atlanta metro counters with more Fortune 500 density. For tax purposes, NC holds the advantage now and will increasingly dominate Georgia as its rate reductions continue.
Flat Rate (2024)
Reducing to 3.99% by 2026 and 2.49% by 2030; property tax ~0.82%
Flat Rate (2024)
Reducing to 4.99% by 2029; property tax ~0.92%
At $100,000 income:
That is $125/month back in your pocket!
| Income | NC Tax | GA Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,250 NC income tax (4.5%); ~$1,230 property (median $150K × 0.82%) = ~$3,480 total | $2,695 GA income tax (5.39%); ~$1,380 property (median $150K × 0.92%) = ~$4,075 total | NC saves ~$595 | $5,950 |
| $75,000 | $3,375 NC income tax; ~$1,640 property (median $200K × 0.82%) = ~$5,015 total | $4,043 GA income tax; ~$1,840 property (median $200K × 0.92%) = ~$5,883 total | NC saves ~$868 | $8,680 |
| $100,000 | $4,500 NC income tax; ~$2,460 property (median $300K × 0.82%) = ~$6,960 total | $5,390 GA income tax; ~$2,760 property (median $300K × 0.92%) = ~$8,150 total | NC saves ~$1,190 | $11,900 |
| $150,000 | $6,750 NC income tax; ~$3,280 property ($400K × 0.82%) = ~$10,030 total | $8,085 GA income tax; ~$3,680 property ($400K × 0.92%) = ~$11,765 total | NC saves ~$1,735 | $17,350 |
| $200,000 | $9,000 NC income tax; ~$4,100 property ($500K × 0.82%) = ~$13,100 total | $10,780 GA income tax; ~$4,600 property ($500K × 0.92%) = ~$15,380 total | NC saves ~$2,280 | $22,800 |
CountryTaxCalc.com is reader-supported. When you use our partner links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This helps us provide free tax calculators and comparison tools. Learn more about our affiliate partnerships
Moving between North Carolina and Georgia? Both states have changing flat tax rates — partial-year returns require careful calculation. Get matched with a CPA who specialises in Southeast state moves.
Get Matched With a CPA →North Carolina has legislated one of the most aggressive income tax reduction paths in the nation: 4.99% (2022) → 4.75% (2023) → 4.5% (2024) → 4.25% (2025) → 3.99% (2026) → 3.49% (2027) → 2.99% (2028) → 2.49% (2029-2030). The reductions are contingent on meeting revenue triggers, but North Carolina has consistently met these. By 2030, North Carolina's 2.49% flat rate will be the lowest income tax rate in the US among states with any income tax — significantly below Georgia's planned 4.99% floor.
Both are excellent but different. Atlanta: larger metro, more Fortune 500 HQs, stronger finance and corporate services ecosystem. Raleigh-Durham (The Triangle): world-class biotech and pharma (Bayer, Biogen, BASF in Research Triangle Park), strong tech (Cisco, IBM, Red Hat, SAS Institute, Apple's second East Coast campus), and elite research universities (Duke, UNC, NC State). Raleigh-Durham offers a more concentrated tech/life-sciences ecosystem; Atlanta offers broader corporate career diversity. Housing: Raleigh's median home price is lower than Atlanta's metro average. Tax-wise: NC is cheaper and getting cheaper faster.
Georgia has a more generous retirement income exemption: residents 65+ can exclude up to $65,000 ($130,000 for couples) in retirement income (pension, IRA/401(k) distributions, capital gains, Social Security — Social Security is fully exempt in Georgia for all ages at any income). North Carolina: Social Security is fully exempt from NC income tax; pension and retirement income for qualifying state/local government retirees is exempt; 401(k)/IRA distributions and other retirement income are taxed at the flat rate. For retirees with large 401(k)/IRA balances, Georgia's larger exclusion is more valuable — though NC's lower flat rate narrows this advantage for non-government pensioners.
Charlotte and Atlanta are roughly comparable in size (both ~2.5–3M metro area populations) but very different economically. Charlotte is the US's second-largest financial centre — if you work in banking, asset management, or financial services, Charlotte is superior. Atlanta is more diverse: media, entertainment, logistics, consumer goods, tech, and healthcare alongside finance. Housing: Charlotte is comparable to Atlanta on median prices. Tax: North Carolina (Charlotte) is currently $890/year cheaper per $100,000 of income vs Georgia (Atlanta) and widening rapidly. For financial services careers: Charlotte. For corporate generalist careers: Atlanta has more Fortune 500 options.
Yes — both North Carolina and Georgia are top destinations for Americans leaving high-tax states (California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey). IRS migration data shows North Carolina is consistently among the top 3–4 states for net inbound migration. Georgia (especially Atlanta metro) is also a top destination. Both states offer: warmer climate than the Northeast, lower total costs than California/New York, growing job markets, and good infrastructure. For someone leaving California for tax reasons: North Carolina offers a lower combined burden (income + property) than most alternatives; Georgia's Atlanta metro offers more Fortune 500 career options. Both are strong choices — the decision often comes down to career preferences and lifestyle.