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

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Downey

California
169

Macon is 62% cheaper than Downey.

$1,026/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 84%
$50,747/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 72%
$165,800 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 339%
$1,016/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 97%
156,543
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $866/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $10,392/year.

Median household income is $36,653/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Downey — common questions

Is Macon or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Downey?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $866/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Downey?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $36,653/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Downey details →

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