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 more gross discretionary income after rent.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Our Recommendation
Florida
Offers approximately $255/week more in gross discretionary income (before state tax)
Higher Pay
GA
Better Taxes
FL
Lower COL
GA
Higher Stipends
FL
Best Discretionary Income
FL
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Florida | Georgia | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $51/hr | $51/hr | GA |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $4,392 | $4,091 | FL |
| State Income Tax | None | Applies | 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 | $1,449 | FL |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income (gross, pre-tax) | $4,092 | $3,837 | 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 $4,091/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Pay?
Use our pay calculator with your specific contract details for both states.
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 offers more gross discretionary income once rent is factored in — run both through the tax calculator for your actual after-tax comparison.
Is Florida or Georgia better for travel nurse taxes?
Florida is more tax-friendly — it has no state income tax, while Georgia does levy one (we don't publish a specific rate; check its official tax tables or your own known rate in the calculator).
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 $2,051/week in Georgia.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Florida or Georgia?
Based on our analysis, Florida offers approximately $255 more in weekly gross discretionary income after housing (before state tax). However, consider factors like licensing (Florida is compact, Georgia is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.