Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Macon, GA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Birmingham is 5% cheaper than Macon.

$1,047/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 2%
$44,376/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↑ 14%
$138,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$165,800 ↑ 20%
$991/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↑ 3%
199,322
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,371/year higher in Macon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Macon — common questions

Is Birmingham or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Macon?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Macon?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $6,371/year higher in Macon.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Georgia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Macon details →

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