Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Macon, GA (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Chattanooga is 25% more expensive than Macon.

$1,155/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 11%
$61,028/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 17%
$259,200 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 36%
$1,112/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 9%
182,832
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $10,281/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Macon — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Macon?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Macon?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $10,281/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/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 Chattanooga details → View Macon details →

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