Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Macon, GA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Buffalo is 6% cheaper than Macon.

$989/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↑ 4%
$48,050/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↑ 6%
$152,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$165,800 ↑ 9%
$929/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↑ 9%
276,397
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,697/year higher in Macon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Macon — common questions

Is Buffalo or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Macon?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Macon?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $2,697/year higher in Macon.
How do taxes compare between New York and Georgia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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 Buffalo details → View Macon details →

More Comparisons

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