Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Macon is 30% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,026/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 28%
$50,747/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 73%
$165,800 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 73%
$1,016/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 31%
156,543
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $37,020/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Rochester — common questions

Is Macon or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Rochester?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Rochester?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $37,020/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Minnesota?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Rochester details →

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