Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Macon, GA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Arlington is 212% more expensive than Macon.

$2,275/mo ↑ 122%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 55%
$140,160/yr ↑ 176%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 64%
$864,800 ↑ 422%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 81%
$2,414/mo ↑ 138%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 58%
235,463
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,249/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $14,988/year.

Median household income is $89,413/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Macon — common questions

Is Arlington or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Macon?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $1,249/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Macon?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $89,413/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Macon details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Macon

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Macon vs. Alexandria Macon vs. Lakewood Macon vs. Murfreesboro Macon vs. Killeen Macon vs. Paterson Macon vs. Kansas City