Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Macon is 48% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,026/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 87%
$50,747/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 84%
$165,800 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 139%
$1,016/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 56%
156,543
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $891/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $10,692/year.

Median household income is $42,624/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Surprise — common questions

Is Macon or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Surprise?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $891/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Surprise?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $42,624/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Arizona?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Macon and Surprise

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