Have questions about what you're reading? A specialist can walk you through real costs, honest comparisons, and what's actually available right now — free, no obligation.
Talk to a Specialist →What the move actually changes
| Georgia | Baldwin County, AL | |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax (retirees) | 5.19% flat, but 65+ exclude $65K/person; SS exempt — often ~$0 | SS/pension exempt; 401(k)/IRA taxed up to 5% above smaller 65+ exclusion |
| Property tax (effective) | ~0.72–0.79% | ~0.32–0.36% |
| Sales tax (combined) | ~7.4% (groceries exempt from state) | ~9.4% (2% state grocery rate) |
| Estate tax | None | None |
Ready to move from research to real conversations about this community?
We connect buyers with agents who know this market from the inside — real cost math, honest comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder. No scripts, no pressure.
The line item that dwarfs the tax differences
On the coast, insurance is bigger than any of these tax gaps. A Gulf Shores home can run $4,000+ a year. The way to control it is the same for everyone: lean inland (Foley) and buy a FORTIFIED home. See the insurance guide and FORTIFIED grant guide. Most drive-in Georgia retirees land in inland Foley — LiveOak Village or Ethos — for the best balance of taxes, insurance and Gulf access.
See your real Georgia-to-Alabama delta
Give us your income mix and target home price; we'll show the honest year-one comparison — property, income, sales and insurance — so you know exactly what changes.
Get Free Cost Math →Sources: Georgia Department of Revenue (flat 5.19% income tax; $65K/person 65+ retirement exclusion; SS exempt; no estate tax); Kiplinger/AARP (GA property & sales tax); Baldwin County Revenue Commission & Alabama Department of Revenue. Not tax advice; ranges illustrative. Verified 2026.