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

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Macon is 26% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,026/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 13%
$50,747/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 44%
$165,800 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 86%
$1,016/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 17%
156,543
Population
138,995

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $22,509/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Metairie — common questions

Is Macon or Metairie 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 Metairie?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Metairie?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $22,509/year higher in Metairie.
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 Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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