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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Irvine is 294% more expensive than Macon.

$2,893/mo ↑ 182%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 65%
$129,647/yr ↑ 155%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 61%
$1,115,400 ↑ 573%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 85%
$2,904/mo ↑ 186%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 65%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,867/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $22,404/year.

Median household income is $78,900/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Macon — common questions

Is Irvine or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Macon?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $1,867/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Macon?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $78,900/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Macon details →

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