Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Macon is 12% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,026/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ≈ Same
$50,747/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 15%
$165,800 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 35%
$1,016/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 6%
156,543
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,509/year higher in Macon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Mississippi has a lower income tax rate, making Jackson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Jackson — common questions

Is Macon or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Jackson?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Jackson?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $7,509/year higher in Macon.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Mississippi?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Jackson details →

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