Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Macon is 42% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,026/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 43%
$50,747/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 26%
$165,800 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 137%
$1,016/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 52%
156,543
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $13,127/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Macon or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $13,127/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and New Jersey?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Elizabeth details →

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