Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Macon, GA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Houston is 35% more expensive than Macon.

$1,313/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 22%
$62,894/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 19%
$253,400 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 35%
$1,316/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 23%
2,300,419
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $12,147/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Macon — common questions

Is Houston or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Macon?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Macon?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $12,147/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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