Georgia vs Virginia: Take-Home Pay (2026)
Same salary, two tax codes — computed for tax year 2026, single filer with standard deduction.
Quick answer
According to netpaytally.com's computations, a $75,000 salary keeps $229 more per year in Georgia than in Virginia ($58,323 vs $58,094, tax year 2026) — the entire gap comes from state tax, since federal and FICA are identical everywhere.
Georgia's single 5.19% rate meets Virginia's 4-step ladder (up to 5.75%), and which system bites harder depends on where a salary sits. Below about $30,000 the ladder's low opening steps actually undercut the flat rate, so the winner flips there; from $75,000 upward Georgia stays ahead — by $1,209 a year at $250,000. The federal share ($7,670 income tax, $5,738 FICA) cancels out of this comparison entirely.
| Salary | Georgia net | Virginia net | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,383 | $40,294 | $89 |
| $75,000 | $58,323 | $58,094 | $229 |
| $100,000 | $74,613 | $74,244 | $369 |
| $150,000 | $106,629 | $105,980 | $649 |
| $250,000 | $170,830 | $169,621 | $1,209 |
| Georgia | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Flat | Graduated |
| Top rate | 5.19% | 5.75% |
| State tax at $75,000 | $3,270 | $3,498 |
| Take-home rank | #37 of 51 | #44 of 51 |
Which state has better take-home pay, Georgia or Virginia?
At $75,000, Georgia keeps $229 more per year than Virginia ($58,323 vs $58,094, tax year 2026).
Why is take-home pay different if federal tax is the same?
Everything above the federal line is state policy: Georgia's one-rate system against Virginia's bracket ladder. At $75,000 that structural difference is worth $229 a year.
Is Georgia ahead at every salary level?
No — below about $30,000, Virginia actually keeps more, because a graduated ladder opens with lower rates than a flat tax. The advantage flips before $75,000 and widens to $1,209 at $250,000.
Which state ranks higher for take-home pay overall?
Georgia ranks #37 of 51 and Virginia ranks #44 of 51 nationally for take-home pay at $75,000.
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