Florida vs Georgia: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Florida and Georgia. Based on our analysis, Florida offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
Our Recommendation
Florida
Offers approximately $442/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
GA
Better Taxes
FL
Lower COL
GA
Higher Stipends
FL
Best Net Income
FL
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Florida | Georgia | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $51/hr | $51/hr | GA |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $4,392 | $4,021 | FL |
| State Income Tax | None | 5.75% | FL |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $3,902 | $3,414 | FL |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.7 | 89.5 | GA |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,300/mo | $1,100/mo | GA |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,708 | $1,379 | FL |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $3,602 | $3,160 | FL |
Florida Overview
Pay: Florida offers $51/hr average with $4,392/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: No state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 100.7 with average rent of $1,300/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
Georgia Overview
Pay: Georgia offers $51/hr average with $4,021/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 5.75% state income tax, making it less tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 89.5 with average rent of $1,100/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Florida or Georgia?
Georgia offers higher gross pay at $51/hr compared to $51/hr. However, Florida provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Florida or Georgia better for travel nurse taxes?
Florida is more tax-friendly with no state income tax. Georgia has a 5.75% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Florida and Georgia?
Florida has a COL index of 100.7 while Georgia is 89.5. Average 1BR rent: Florida $1300/mo vs Georgia $1100/mo. Georgia is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Florida offers higher tax-free stipends at $2,352/week compared to $1,981/week in Georgia.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Florida or Georgia?
Based on our analysis, Florida offers approximately $442 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Florida is compact, Georgia is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.