Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Macon, GA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Albuquerque is 23% more expensive than Macon.

$1,085/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 5%
$65,604/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 23%
$266,700 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 38%
$1,149/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 12%
562,488
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $14,857/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Macon slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Macon — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Macon?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Macon?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $14,857/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Georgia?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Macon has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,026/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Macon details →

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