Buying a Home: Florida vs Georgia (2026 Comparison)

# Buying a Home: Florida vs Georgia (2026 Comparison) Considering a move? This detailed comparison of Florida and Georgia real estate markets will help you decide which state offers the best value for your home purchase in 2026. ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Florida | Georgia | |--------|------------|------------| | Median Home Price | $400,000 | $272,900 | | Property Tax Rate | 0.79% | 0.81% | | Annual Property Tax | $2,555 | $2,214 | | Closing Costs | $8,492 | $5,106 | | FHA Limit (Floor) | $524,225 | $524,225 | | Days on Market | 55 | 42 | | 1-Year Price Change | -1.20% | +3.50% | | DPA Programs | 3 | 2 | ## Home Prices **Georgia is more affordable** with a median home price $127,100 lower than Florida. At current rates (6.33%), here's what your monthly payment would look like at median prices: | State | Home Price | Est. Monthly P&I | |-------|------------|------------------| | Florida | $400,000 | $1,987 | | Georgia | $272,900 | $1,356 | *Assumes 20% down payment, 30-year fixed mortgage* ## Property Taxes **Florida has lower property taxes** at 0.79% vs Georgia's 0.81%. - Florida ranks #28 nationally - Georgia ranks #27 nationally ## Closing Costs | State | Average Closing Costs | % of Price | |-------|----------------------|------------| | Florida | $8,492 | 1.82% | | Georgia | $5,106 | 1.24% | ## Down Payment Assistance ### Florida (Florida Housing) - **Florida Assist:** Up to $10,000 - **Hardest-Hit Fund DPA (HHF-DPA):** Up to $15,000 ### Georgia (GHFA) - **Georgia Dream Homeownership Program:** Up to $10,000 - **Georgia Dream PEN DPA:** Up to $12,500 ## Market Conditions ### Florida - Inventory: moderate - Market Type: Buyer's Market - Price Trend: Declining ### Georgia - Inventory: moderate - Market Type: Buyer's Market - Price Trend: Rising ## Total Cost of Homeownership Over 5 years at median home prices: | Cost | Florida | Georgia | |------|------------|------------| | Mortgage (P&I) | $119,218 | $81,337 | | Property Taxes | $12,775 | $11,070 | | **5-Year Total** | **$131,993** | **$92,407** | ## Conclusion **Georgia offers better overall value** when considering home prices, taxes, and closing costs. Use our state-specific calculators to get detailed estimates for your situation: - [Florida Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/florida) - [Georgia Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/georgia) --- *Data sources: Tax Foundation, Zillow, HUD. Last updated: January 2026.*