California vs Georgia
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Georgia
Intro
Both California and Georgia levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax payments. This article presents the key figures side‑by‑side, identifies which state has the lower effective property‑tax rate, and highlights the homeowner segments for whom the comparison is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | California | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.81 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $272,900 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $2,214 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $2,028 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $4,057 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $74,664 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which State Wins on Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): California (0.71 % vs. 0.81 %).
- Rate difference: 0.10 percentage points, representing a 12.68 % lower effective rate in California.
Annual tax impact on sample homes
| Home value | Tax in California | Tax in Georgia | Difference (Georgia – California) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,771 | $2,028 | $257 |
| $500,000 | $3,542 | $4,057 | $515 |
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, California’s lower effective rate translates into modest absolute savings on typical home values, even though its median home price is substantially higher than Georgia’s.
Who Is This Comparison Most Useful For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change in residence could affect annual property‑tax obligations. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating the tax component of total housing costs when comparing properties in the two states. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Assessing whether a lower tax rate (California) offsets higher home prices, especially if purchasing a lower‑priced property. |
| Real‑estate investors | Quantifying tax differences across a range of property values to model cash‑flow scenarios. |
The comparison is purely fiscal; it does not account for other cost‑of‑living factors, state income taxes, or local exemptions that may affect the net burden on specific households.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax structure: California property tax
- Detailed information on Georgia’s property‑tax structure: Georgia property tax
All figures reflect the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates and are presented without interpretation beyond the data provided.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.