Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Macon, GA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Durham is 62% more expensive than Macon.

$1,412/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 27%
$79,234/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 36%
$355,300 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 53%
$1,434/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 29%
288,465
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $28,487/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Macon — common questions

Is Durham or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Macon?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Macon?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $28,487/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Durham or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Macon details →

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