Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Macon is 29% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,026/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 33%
$50,747/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 24%
$165,800 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 61%
$1,016/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 29%
156,543
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $12,042/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Macon or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and North Charleston?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or North Charleston?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $12,042/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and South Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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