Tennessee vs Georgia: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Tennessee and Georgia. Based on our analysis, Georgia offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Our Recommendation
Georgia
Offers approximately $20/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
GA
Better Taxes
TN
Lower COL
TN
Higher Stipends
GA
Best Net Income
GA
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tennessee | Georgia | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $41/hr | $51/hr | GA |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $2,739 | $2,935 | GA |
| State Income Tax | None | 5.75% | TN |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $2,345 | $2,389 | GA |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 89.5 | TN |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,000/mo | $1,100/mo | TN |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $686 | $686 | GA |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $2,114 | $2,135 | GA |
Tennessee Overview
Pay: Tennessee offers $41/hr average with $2,739/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: No state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 89 with average rent of $1,000/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
Georgia Overview
Pay: Georgia offers $51/hr average with $2,935/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.
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: Tennessee or Georgia?
Georgia offers higher gross pay at $51/hr compared to $41/hr. However, Georgia provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Tennessee or Georgia better for travel nurse taxes?
Tennessee is more tax-friendly with no state income tax. Georgia has a 5.75% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has a COL index of 89 while Georgia is 89.5. Average 1BR rent: Tennessee $1000/mo vs Georgia $1100/mo. Tennessee is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Georgia offers higher tax-free stipends at $1,099/week compared to $1,099/week in Tennessee.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Tennessee or Georgia?
Based on our analysis, Georgia offers approximately $20 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Tennessee is compact, Georgia is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.