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

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Macon is 26% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,026/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 21%
$50,747/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 73%
$165,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 50%
$1,016/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 45%
156,543
Population
149,785

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $37,279/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Joliet — common questions

Is Macon or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Joliet?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Joliet?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $37,279/year higher in Joliet.
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 Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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