Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Macon, GA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Austin is 106% more expensive than Macon.

$1,655/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 38%
$91,461/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 45%
$512,700 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 68%
$1,747/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 42%
967,862
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $40,714/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Macon — common questions

Is Austin or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Macon?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Macon?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $40,714/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Macon details →

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