Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Macon, GA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Des Moines is 8% more expensive than Macon.

$1,054/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 3%
$63,966/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 21%
$183,700 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 10%
$1,137/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 11%
212,464
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,219/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Macon — common questions

Is Des Moines or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Macon?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Macon?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $13,219/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Georgia?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Macon details →

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