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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Fayetteville is 12% more expensive than Macon.

$1,179/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 13%
$56,395/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 10%
$171,900 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 4%
$1,156/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 12%
209,692
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $5,648/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Macon — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Macon?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Macon?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $5,648/year higher in Fayetteville.
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 Fayetteville or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/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 Fayetteville details → View Macon details →

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