Georgia vs Tennessee Veterans Guide: Complete Comparison 2025
Compare Georgia and Tennessee for military retirees. Analyze military retirement tax benefits, cost of living, VA healthcare, and job opportunities.
Georgia vs Tennessee Veterans Guide: Complete Comparison 2025
Georgia and Tennessee represent two of the most economically vibrant southeastern states with strong veteran populations, excellent tax benefits, and affordable living. Both states offer military retirement exemptions but with different structures. This comprehensive guide helps you choose between these southeastern destinations.
Military Retirement Tax Treatment
Georgia: Military Retirement Fully Exempt
Georgia provides one of America's most generous military retirement tax benefits:
Georgia Military Retirement Benefits:
- Military pension: 100% exempt from state income tax (unlimited amount)
- VA disability compensation: 100% exempt
- State income tax rate: 5.75% (flat rate)
- Effective tax on military retirement: 0%
Tax Example - $45,000 military pension + $20,000 other income:
- Military retirement tax: $0 (unlimited exemption)
- Other income tax: $1,150 (at 5.75%)
- Total state tax: $1,150
Tennessee: Military Retirement NOT Exempt (BUT No State Income Tax)
Tennessee uses a unique tax structure:
Tennessee Tax Benefits:
- Military pension: Partially exempt ($41,400 standard deduction for most retirees)
- VA disability compensation: 100% exempt
- State income tax rate: 0% (no state income tax)
- Effective tax on military retirement: 0% for most retirees
Tax Example - $45,000 military pension + $20,000 other income:
- Military retirement tax: $0 (standard deduction covers most pensions)
- Other income tax: $0 (no state income tax)
- Total state tax: $0
Tax Winner: Tennessee (No state income tax at all; Georgia taxes other income) Annual savings choosing Tennessee: $1,150+ on $20,000 additional income
Cost of Living Comparison
Housing Market Overview
Georgia Housing:
- Median home price: $330,000
- Property tax rate: 0.92%
- Atlanta: $390,000
- Savannah: $340,000
- Augusta: $260,000
- Athens: $310,000
- Property tax on $300,000: $2,760/year
- Rent average: $1,100-$1,400/month
Tennessee Housing:
- Median home price: $310,000
- Property tax rate: 0.71% (lowest in region)
- Nashville: $380,000
- Knoxville: $300,000
- Memphis: $220,000
- Chattanooga: $280,000
- Property tax on $300,000: $2,130/year
- Rent average: $1,000-$1,300/month
Housing Winner: Tennessee (Lower median, significantly lower property tax)
Complete Cost of Living Index
| Category | Georgia | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries/month | $560 | $540 |
| Utilities/month | $155 | $145 |
| Transportation | 100 | 98 |
| Healthcare | 100 | 98 |
| Overall index | 102 | 99 |
Tennessee is 3% cheaper overall than Georgia
Job Market Analysis
Georgia Employment Opportunities
Strongest Sectors:
- Technology: Atlanta tech scene (second fastest-growing in US)
- Finance: Banking and financial services
- Logistics: Distribution and supply chain
- Healthcare: Growing medical sector
- Film/Television: Production industry growth
Salary Information:
- Average salary: $56,300
- Tech sector: $90,000-$130,000
- Finance: $70,000-$100,000
- Healthcare: $65,000-$85,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.2%
Veterans Employment Rate: 90%
Tennessee Employment Opportunities
Strongest Sectors:
- Technology: Nashville emerging tech hub
- Healthcare: Pharmaceutical, medical device
- Automotive: Manufacturing growth
- Music/Entertainment: Nashville production
- Finance: Banking sector
Salary Information:
- Average salary: $54,100
- Tech sector: $85,000-$120,000
- Healthcare: $65,000-$85,000
- Manufacturing: $48,000-$70,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.4%
Veterans Employment Rate: 89%
Job Market Winner: Georgia (Higher average salaries, Atlanta tech hub larger than Nashville)
VA Healthcare Access
Georgia VA Healthcare Network
Major Medical Centers:
- Atlanta VA Medical Center
- Carl Vinson VA Medical Center (Dublin)
- Augusta VA Medical Center
- Decatur VA Medical Center
Network Details:
- Primary care providers: 2,100+
- Mental health specialists: 500+
- Average wait time: 18 days
- Community clinics: 50+
- Patient satisfaction: 4.2/5 stars
- Coverage: Excellent statewide
Tennessee VA Healthcare Network
Major Medical Centers:
- Memphis VA Medical Center
- Nashville VA Medical Center
- Mountain Home VA Medical Center
- Murfreesboro VA Medical Center
Network Details:
- Primary care providers: 1,800+
- Mental health specialists: 450+
- Average wait time: 19 days
- Community clinics: 40+
- Patient satisfaction: 4.1/5 stars
- Coverage: Good statewide
Healthcare Winner: Georgia (More providers, slightly shorter wait times)
Economic Growth and Future Opportunities
Georgia Economic Outlook
Growth Trends:
- Tech industry expansion (Amazon, Microsoft, Google offices)
- Population growth: 10th fastest in nation
- Business-friendly environment
- International investment: Increasing
- Future: Strong continued growth
Impact for Veterans:
- More job opportunities
- Higher wage growth
- Real estate appreciation
- Cost of living pressure
Tennessee Economic Outlook
Growth Trends:
- Tech industry growth (Nashville becoming major hub)
- Population growth: Fastest in Southeast
- Business tax incentives excellent
- International investment: Growing
- Future: Rapid expansion
Impact for Veterans:
- Growing job opportunities
- Reasonable wage growth
- Real estate appreciation moderate
- Cost of living remains reasonable
Economic Future Winner: Tie (Both strong; Georgia more established, Tennessee faster growing)
Climate Comparison
Georgia Climate
Weather Profile:
- Summer: 85-92°F with moderate humidity
- Winter: 40-50°F (occasional freezing, rare snow)
- Rainfall: 48-52 inches annually
- Humidity: Moderate to high
- Natural disasters: Occasional hurricanes (coastal areas)
Lifestyle Features:
- Four distinct seasons
- Moderate winters
- Springs/falls very pleasant
- Outdoor recreation abundant
- Strong patriotic culture
Tennessee Climate
Weather Profile:
- Summer: 85-90°F with high humidity
- Winter: 35-45°F (occasional ice storms, moderate snow)
- Rainfall: 50-55 inches annually
- Humidity: High
- Natural disasters: Occasional tornadoes, ice storms
Lifestyle Features:
- Four distinct seasons
- Slightly colder winters than Georgia
- Springs/falls pleasant
- Mountain recreation (East Tennessee)
- Music and cultural attractions
Climate Winner: Georgia (Slightly milder winters, less severe weather)
Detailed 10-Year Cost Analysis
Scenario: Military Retiree - $45,000 Pension + $15,000 Other Income
Georgia 10-Year Costs (Atlanta area):
| Category | Annual |
|---|---|
| Housing | $18,000 |
| Property tax | $2,760 |
| Utilities/insurance | $1,860 |
| Groceries | $6,720 |
| Transportation | $4,800 |
| Healthcare | $2,400 |
| State tax | $865 |
| Federal tax | $2,700 |
| Total Annual | $40,705 |
| 10-Year Total | $407,050 |
Tennessee 10-Year Costs (Nashville area):
| Category | Annual |
|---|---|
| Housing | $17,000 |
| Property tax | $2,130 |
| Utilities/insurance | $1,740 |
| Groceries | $6,480 |
| Transportation | $4,700 |
| Healthcare | $2,400 |
| State tax | $0 |
| Federal tax | $2,700 |
| Total Annual | $37,150 |
| 10-Year Total | $371,500 |
10-Year Advantage: Tennessee saves $35,550
Disability Benefits and Support
Georgia Disabled Veteran Benefits
- Property tax exemptions: Up to $36,000 for 100% disabled
- Vehicle registration: Tax exemptions available
- Education: Generous state education benefits
- Healthcare: Excellent VA network
- Business incentives: Available for disabled veteran-owned businesses
Tennessee Disabled Veteran Benefits
- Property tax exemptions: Up to $175,000 for 100% disabled
- Vehicle registration: Tax exemptions available
- Education: State education benefits
- Healthcare: Good VA network
- Business incentives: Available for disabled veteran-owned businesses
Disabled Benefits Winner: Tennessee (Much more generous property tax exemptions for disabled veterans)
Top Veteran Cities
Georgia Top Cities
Atlanta
- Cost: Moderate ($390K)
- Jobs: Excellent (tech, finance, film)
- VA access: Excellent
- Growth: Rapid, thriving
- Best for: Career-focused professionals
Savannah
- Cost: Moderate ($340K)
- Jobs: Moderate (growing tech, tourism)
- VA access: Good
- Lifestyle: Historic, coastal, arts
- Best for: Lifestyle-focused retirees
Athens
- Cost: Moderate ($310K)
- Jobs: Good (tech, university)
- VA access: Good
- Lifestyle: College town, culture
- Best for: Educated professionals, culture seekers
Tennessee Top Cities
Nashville
- Cost: Moderate ($380K)
- Jobs: Very Good (tech growing, music industry)
- VA access: Excellent
- Lifestyle: Music, culture, vibrant
- Best for: Career-focused, culture-focused
Knoxville
- Cost: Affordable ($300K)
- Jobs: Growing (tech, manufacturing)
- VA access: Good
- Lifestyle: Mountain access, outdoor recreation
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts
Memphis
- Cost: Affordable ($220K)
- Jobs: Growing (healthcare, logistics)
- VA access: Excellent
- Lifestyle: Music history, cultural
- Best for: Budget-conscious, music lovers
Property Tax Impact Over 30 Years
$300,000 Home Purchase:
Georgia 30-Year Cost:
- Year 1: $2,760
- Annual growth: ~1.5%
- Year 30: $3,550
- 30-year total: $96,750
Tennessee 30-Year Cost:
- Year 1: $2,130
- Annual growth: ~1.5%
- Year 30: $2,730
- 30-year total: $71,850
30-Year Advantage: Tennessee saves $24,900
Recommendations by Profile
Best for Georgia:
Tech/Career-Focused Professionals
- Atlanta second-largest tech hub in US
- Higher salaries ($56,300 vs $54,100)
- More job opportunities
- Recommendation: Atlanta, suburbs
Urban-Lifestyle Seekers
- Atlanta offers major city amenities
- International airport
- Diverse culture and food
- Recommendation: Atlanta metro area
Best for Tennessee:
Budget-Conscious Military Retirees
- No state income tax (saves $865+/year)
- Lower property taxes (saves $630/year)
- Lower cost of living (3% overall)
- Recommendation: Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga
Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Mountain access (East Tennessee)
- Outdoor recreation abundant
- Moderate cost of living
- Recommendation: Knoxville, Chattanooga
Disabled Veterans on Fixed Income
- Much larger property tax exemptions
- No state income tax
- Lower overall costs
- Recommendation: Any region, depends on lifestyle
Summary Comparison Table
| Factor | Georgia | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Military retirement tax | 0% | 0% |
| Other income tax | 5.75% | 0% |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Low |
| Housing median | $330,000 | $310,000 |
| Property tax rate | 0.92% | 0.71% |
| Job market | Excellent | Good |
| Average salary | $56,300 | $54,100 |
| VA healthcare | Excellent | Excellent |
| Disabled vet benefits | Good | Excellent |
| Climate | Mild | Moderate |
Final Verdict
Choose Georgia if:
- You want maximum career opportunities
- You prefer higher salaries and job diversity
- You like urban lifestyle (Atlanta)
- You want milder winters
- You value tech industry growth
- You're still working or career-focused
Choose Tennessee if:
- You want maximum tax savings (no income tax)
- You prefer lower overall cost of living (3%)
- You want generous disabled veteran benefits
- You seek smaller cities with culture
- You value affordability on fixed income
- You're retired and income-conscious
The Numbers: Tennessee offers clear financial advantage for retirees:
- No state income tax (saves $865-$1,150/year)
- Lower property taxes (saves $630/year)
- 3% lower cost of living
- Much better disabled veteran property tax exemptions
- 10-year total advantage: ~$35,550
For military retirees and disabled veterans on fixed income, Tennessee is objectively superior. Georgia remains better for working veterans prioritizing career growth and higher salaries. Tennessee's lack of state income tax combined with lower overall costs makes it among America's most veteran-friendly retirement destinations.