Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Macon is 70% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,026/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 116%
$50,747/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 105%
$165,800 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 530%
$1,016/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 130%
156,543
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,192/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $14,304/year.

Median household income is $53,031/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Macon or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Pasadena?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,192/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Pasadena?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $53,031/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Pasadena 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 Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth