Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Macon is 28% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,026/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 23%
$50,747/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 74%
$165,800 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 52%
$1,016/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 48%
156,543
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $37,569/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Elgin — common questions

Is Macon or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Elgin?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Elgin?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $37,569/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Macon and Elgin

Macon vs. Alexandria Macon vs. Lakewood Macon vs. Murfreesboro Macon vs. Killeen Macon vs. Paterson Macon vs. Kansas City Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont