Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Macon is 45% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,026/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 56%
$50,747/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 50%
$165,800 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 138%
$1,016/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 65%
156,543
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $25,458/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Lowell — common questions

Is Macon or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Lowell?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Lowell?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $25,458/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Massachusetts?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Macon and Lowell

Macon vs. Alexandria Macon vs. Lakewood Macon vs. Murfreesboro Macon vs. Killeen Macon vs. Paterson Macon vs. Kansas City Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury