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

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Macon is 56% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,026/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 81%
$50,747/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 197%
$165,800 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 208%
$1,016/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 113%
156,543
Population
149,424

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
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $826/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $9,912/year.

Median household income is $100,190/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Naperville — common questions

Is Macon or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Naperville?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $826/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Naperville?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $100,190/year higher in Naperville.
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 Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Macon and Naperville

Macon vs. Alexandria Macon vs. Lakewood Macon vs. Murfreesboro Macon vs. Killeen Macon vs. Paterson Macon vs. Kansas City Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona