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

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Macon is 7% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,026/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 8%
$50,747/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 29%
$165,800 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 6%
$1,016/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 4%
156,543
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $14,790/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Springfield — common questions

Is Macon or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Springfield?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Springfield?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $14,790/year higher in Springfield.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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