Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Macon is 49% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,026/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 59%
$50,747/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 77%
$165,800 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 183%
$1,016/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 66%
156,543
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $39,291/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Charleston — common questions

Is Macon or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Charleston?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $606/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Charleston?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $39,291/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and South Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Charleston details →

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