Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Macon, GA (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Knoxville is 14% more expensive than Macon.

$1,116/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 8%
$50,994/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$50,747/yr ≈ Same
$214,000 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 23%
$1,075/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 5%
193,721
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $247/year higher in Knoxville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Macon — common questions

Is Knoxville or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Macon?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Macon?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $247/year higher in Knoxville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/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 Knoxville details → View Macon details →

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