Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Macon is 19% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,026/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 4%
$50,747/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 27%
$165,800 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 62%
$1,016/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 10%
156,543
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,741/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Columbia — common questions

Is Macon or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Columbia?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Columbia?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $13,741/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Missouri?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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