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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Chesapeake is 72% more expensive than Macon.

$1,523/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 33%
$94,189/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 46%
$359,100 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 54%
$1,680/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 40%
251,153
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

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $43,442/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Macon — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Macon?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Macon?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $43,442/year higher in Chesapeake.
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 Chesapeake or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View Macon details →

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