Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Macon is 16% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,026/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 4%
$50,747/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 21%
$165,800 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 52%
$1,016/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 4%
156,543
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,707/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Macon or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Lafayette?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Lafayette?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $10,707/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Louisiana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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Macon vs. Alexandria Macon vs. Lakewood Macon vs. Murfreesboro Macon vs. Killeen Macon vs. Paterson Macon vs. Kansas City Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield