Georgia vs North Carolina Living: Which is the Better State?

 

Choosing the right place to live isn’t easy. Do you want to be in a big city or a smaller town? Are you looking for a more affordable cost of living, or are you willing to pay more for the right amenities? Is the weather important to you or the quality of schools? The Southern states have been especially popular over the last few years. People cite their warmer climate, lower taxes, and growing job markets. Take Georgia vs North Carolina–living here hits all those checkmarks.

According to 2023 data, North Carolina and Georgia were in the top ten states for numeric and percentage growth. Clearly, they are desirable states to live. But each has a distinct mix of pros and cons. Is one state better than the other? Let’s compare.

Cost of Living

Sperling’s Best Places sets a standard for the cost of living, with the national average at 100. Any score above 100 means higher local living costs, while any below means less expensive. Based on this index, the best overall cost of living goes to Georgia.

The Peach State has an overall score living cost index of 94.5, while North Carolina is 98.5. While both have better affordability, on average, you’ll spend less living in Georgia vs North Carolina.

One key category to look at is housing costs. In this regard, Georgia is about 10% less than the Tar Heel State. However, North Carolina residents benefit from lower utility and transportation costs. Still, many of their costs, from health care to miscellaneous, are only percentage points apart.

  *Cost of living figures are from Q1 2024; all other data from US Census 2023 estimates

Remember that both are large states, and the cost of living varies widely. For example, the cost of living in downtown Atlanta, GA, is much higher than in Blue Ridge, GA. Boone, NC, is more affordable than Charlotte, NC.

Population Growth

It is debatable whether population growth is beneficial or harmful. A growing population can benefit the economy, median incomes, new construction housing, and amenities. On the negative side, it means more expensive goods, more urbanized development, and a higher cost of living.

Both states ranked in the top ten for population growth. From 2022-2023, North Carolina ranked fifth, and Georgia ranked tenth for year-over-year growth. Their residential totals are similar, too, with Georgia leading by about 150,000 residents. Its most populated counties were concentrated around the Atlanta metro: Fulton, Gwinett, DeKalb, and Cobb Counties. 

Its most populated counties were split between the Raleigh-Durham area and Charlotte metro: Wake, Mecklenburg, Guilford, and Forsyth Counties.

Real Estate Taxes

Both states have a system where the counties assess and collect property taxes. The rates paid depend on where you live in that state. Deciding between North Carolina vs Tennessee living, factor in the cost of taxes.

In North Carolina, property taxes are assessed at market values, which are set every four to eight years. Each county has a different reappraisal schedule. In this state, one mil equals $1 for each $100 of appraised value. All property owners pay taxes based on the full assessed value. For this reason, property taxes in North Carolina tend to be higher than in Georgia.

The state does have a homestead exemption for those 65 years and older or permanently disabled with an income less than $38,000. The exemption is the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value. There is also a potential $45,000 exemption for a disabled veteran. 

Georgia property taxes are assessed at 40% of the property’s assessed value. One mil equals $1 per every $1,000 in value, or $0.001. Homeowners can qualify for a $2,000 homestead exemption for a primary residence. Tax rates are set each year by the local Board of County Commissioners. The effective property tax rate for Georgia homeowners was 0.83%.

Taxes for Retirees

When it comes to retirement, Georgia’s the clear winner. Bankrate said Georgia was the best state for retirees in 2021 based on economic factors like tax regulations. 

A few states have special tax breaks for retirees, but North Carolina is not one of them. All income is taxed at the state’s flat rate of 4.75%. However, there is no social security tax or estate tax. Personal withdrawals from retirement accounts and pension income are taxed. 

Social Security payments in Georgia are not taxed. For individuals aged 65 and older, there is a $65,000 maximum exemption on all types of retirement income. As a result, people over 65 who make less than $65,000 per year will not be charged income taxes. Furthermore, if the annual income does not exceed $10,000 for persons aged 65 or older, they may double their homestead exemption.

Georgia also offers a partial exemption on all property value accumulated after the “base year.” The year is determined by when a senior age 62 or older applies for the exemption. This means even if property values appreciate, homeowners are taxed at the base year home value once they reach age 62. Household income must not exceed $30,000 to qualify. 

Job Markets

Economic opportunities are strong in North Carolina and Georgia. In May 2024, the unemployment rate in North Carolina was 3.6%, while it was 3.1% in Georgia.

The top industries in North Carolina are healthcare, retail, education, finance, and manufacturing. The state is known for its furniture manufacturing, automotive industry, biotechnology & pharmaceuticals, and energy industry. The largest employers by size include brand names like Bank of America, Lowe’s, Duke Energy, Wake Forest Baptist Health, and Home Depot.

Tax breaks have wooed the film industry to Georgia. Now it has a reputation as the “Hollywood of the South.” In addition, the state has robust healthcare, retail, and manufacturing industries. The top employers by size are Grady Health System, Emory Healthcare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Fulton County Schools, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

 

Sets of figures are from May 2024.

* From Workforce Trends from 2018 to 2028

**From Employment Projections for 2028

Educational Opportunities

Both states have strong public school systems. In fact, US News and World Report ranked North Carolina’s public K-12 schools as the 26th best in the nation, while Georgia’s came in as no. 25 in 2024.

* Figures are from 2022-2023

 ** Figures are from 2021-2022

 

In terms of higher education, both states have many prestigious colleges and universities. US News and World Report ranked North Carolina 14th in the nation for its higher education. Notable institutions in North Carolina include Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill, which are in the nation’s top 25 universities. Duke is a renowned center for research in medicine, science, and education. Wake Forest University falls into the nation’s top 50 universities.

Georgia, ranked 22nd, has three universities in the nation’s top 50, including Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia.

Outdoor Recreation

Do you love outdoor activities? Natural beauty awaits at every corner of these states, which have extensive outdoor recreation access and some shared features:

• The Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills
• The Appalachian Trail runs through both states
• Atlantic Ocean beachfront and barrier islands

Georgia’s Great Outdoors

Georgia’s abundant wilderness is prized for its fishing, hunting, and camping. Its Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest alone has over 800 miles of hiking trails. The state’s public lands include over 60 state parks and preserves, including the unique landscapes of Cloudland Canyon State Park and Stone Mountain Park. The historic F.D. Roosevelt State Park in central Georgia is its largest park.

Road cyclists have a few miles-long pathways, like the Silver Comet Line, Atlanta BeltLine, the Six-Gap Classic, and Sylvania Cruise. Mountain bikers also have a collection of trails spread across central and north Georgia. Find easy options for beginners and challenging terrain for the experts.

For those who enjoy lake living, Georgia has over 15 lakes, including Lake Lanier, the 1996 Olympic water events site, and the state’s largest man-made lake. Rivers like the Chattahoochee, Savannah, Oconee, and Altamaha provide world-class whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and other water recreation.

Recreation in North Carolina

North Carolina’s outdoor recreation choices are equally robust. Part of its advantage is a more extensive mountainous terrain. People up and down the Atlantic states come to the Blue Ridge Mountains for winter snow skiing, rock climbing, fly fishing, camping, mountain biking, and more. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. North Carolina also has over 41 state parks and natural areas, including Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest peak in the Eastern United States. 

Cyclists have access to over 100 miles of trails, including the state-crossing Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

North Carolina has over 50 lakes prized for their water fun and casual lake living. Check out Lake Murray, Lake Norman, and Kerr Lake. People head to its waterways for whitewater rafting, bass fishing, sailing, and summertime floats.

On the oceanfront, North Carolina wins. Its 300 miles of coastline far outstrip Georgia in terms of choice. Find 31 beaches, from the pristine Outer Banks to the relaxing town at Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy the coast for saltwater fishing, surfing, kiteboarding, and deep sea excursions at the ready.

City Living

Cities are our centers of culture. It’s where people come for the job prospects, the entertainment, and access to all they need. If you’re looking for a big metropolitan area, then Atlanta in Georgia or Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, Wilmington, or Asheville in North Carolina may be perfect for you.

Atlanta‘s greater metropolitan area is home to over six million people. It’s a Southern hub for business and culture. Sixteen Fortune 500 companies have headquarters there, and even more major companies have offices. Residents’ perks include dozens of museums, arts and culture, live music, shopping districts, and choice dining. Atlanta is the home of the professional sports teams Atlanta Braves, Falcons, and Hawks.

Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, home to over 1.4 million people. Raleigh-Durham is a major research center, between the innovative Research Triangle Park and several world-leading universities. 

Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city, with a metro area home to 2.6 million people. Like Atlanta, multiple Fortune 500 companies have bases in Charlotte, particularly in the financial sector. It’s the second-largest financial center outside Wall Street. The city entertains residents with museums, art galleries, and professional sports teams. Charlotte’s other claim to fame is as the home of NASCAR. 

Wilmington, a historic coastal city with over 282,500 people concentrated in its metro area, awaits on the coastline. Its two-mile Riverwalk, historic downtown area, beautiful beaches, and film industry are key highlights.

Asheville is the gateway to western North Carolina. The mountain city metro has almost 500,000 people. People embrace an active lifestyle with eclectic art and live music scenic. The mountain outdoor activities are out its backdoor. 

Georgia vs North Carolina Weather

The two states differ quite a bit, and it’s hard to make general statements about the climate given their distinct regions.

Overall, North Carolina has a more moderate climate with four distinct seasons. However, we need to think of North Carolina as having two distinct weather regions. The mountains create medium continental conditions while subtropical conditions move into the state’s southeastern corner. 

In the Appalachian mountains, average temperatures range from warm in the summer to cold in the winter. The average temperatures in January are in the 40Fs, and in July, they’re around mid-80Fs. The higher the elevation, the colder the winters but milder the summers. Winter snowfall is expected in the mountains, but it doesn’t usually stay on the ground for more than a few days.

By the North Carolina coastal plains, the climate is more subtropical. This part of the state has hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in January is around 54F, while highs are around 90F in July. The coastal area experiences a lot of rainfall, especially in the summer. The Outer Banks and coastline are prone to direct hits from Atlantic tropical storms.

Georgia mostly shares the subtropical climate. Be prepared for hot summers, with average highs in the low 90Fs. Relief comes in mild winters, with averages in the mid-50Fs. The state does see a fair amount of rainfall, especially in the southern and coastal areas. The steamy humidity can set off afternoon thunderstorms. Georgia is vulnerable to tropical storms and tornadoes.

The Atlantic has a moderating effect on the climate in the south and eastern areas. The Hill Country benefits from greater heights and cooler temperatures. Even in the mountains, winters are short in duration with limited snowfall.

Sports Culture

Georgia likes football, and the University of Georgia is among the nation’s top-ranked teams. The school has fierce rivalries with other SEC division schools like Florida and South Carolina. The talent trickles from the top down. Local high school programs are known for being highly competitive.

Georgia is passionate about football but has a heart for other sports, too. Three professional sports teams: the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta Falcons (NFL).

If you like basketball, thank North Carolina. Naturally, the state that invented the sport has top collegiate basketball teams. Duke and the UNC Tar Heels often feature in and have won national tournament titles. Some of the best players in the NBA have come through North Carolina schools.

The state is also home to the Carolina Panthers (NFL), the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), and the Charlotte Hornets (NBA). Find the headquarters for NASCAR in Concord, North Carolina.

Southern Charm & Hospitality

Part of the charm of southern living is the friendliness of the people and a love of family. North Carolina and Georgia share this reputation for hospitality. However, each state has its own unique culture. One travel site ranked Georgia no. 16 for friendliness, while North Carolina was no. 33; another had them at nos. 9 and 18, respectively.

You’ll find a mix of urban and rural living in North Carolina. The Appalachian mountains have a distinct folk culture and tradition, from music to art. The central and plains area is famous for its North Carolina-style barbecue, Cheerwine, and Bojangles.

Georgia’s rich history colors its culture and character. The state’s distinct southern dialect is more prevalent in rural communities. The way of life is considered slow and laid-back.

There is no clear winner when it comes to southern charm and hospitality. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a state.

Georgia vs North Carolina Living

Wherever you land, you’ll find many opportunities in North Carolina and Georgia. They share a mountain lifestyle, coastal cities, and diverse job opportunities. Fall in love with their unique charm. To help you decide, why not explore these two states with a local real estate professional? Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference.

Updated June 2024