Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Macon is 30% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,026/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 16%
$50,747/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 14%
$165,800 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 44%
$1,016/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 18%
156,543
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $7,293/year higher in Macon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Dayton — common questions

Is Macon or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Dayton?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Dayton?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $7,293/year higher in Macon.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Ohio?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Macon and Dayton

Macon vs. Alexandria Macon vs. Lakewood Macon vs. Murfreesboro Macon vs. Killeen Macon vs. Paterson Macon vs. Kansas City Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville