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 more gross discretionary income after rent.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Our Recommendation
Georgia
Offers approximately $216/week more in gross discretionary income (before state tax)
Higher Pay
GA
Better Taxes
TN
Lower COL
TN
Higher Stipends
TN
Best Discretionary Income
GA
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tennessee | Georgia | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $41/hr | $51/hr | GA |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,852 | $4,091 | GA |
| State Income Tax | None | Applies | TN |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 89.5 | TN |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,000/mo | $1,100/mo | TN |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,610 | $1,449 | TN |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income (gross, pre-tax) | $3,621 | $3,837 | GA |
Tennessee Overview
Pay: Tennessee offers $41/hr average with $3,852/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 $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.
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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 offers more gross discretionary income once rent is factored in — run both through the tax calculator for your actual after-tax comparison.
Is Tennessee or Georgia better for travel nurse taxes?
Tennessee 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 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?
Tennessee offers higher tax-free stipends at $2,212/week compared to $2,051/week in Georgia.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Tennessee or Georgia?
Based on our analysis, Georgia offers approximately $216 more in weekly gross discretionary income after housing (before state tax). However, consider factors like licensing (Tennessee is compact, Georgia is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.