Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Macon, GA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Fontana is 125% more expensive than Macon.

$1,733/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 41%
$98,187/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 48%
$558,500 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 70%
$1,990/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 49%
211,921
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $47,440/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Macon — common questions

Is Fontana or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Macon?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Macon?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $47,440/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Macon details →

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