Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Macon is 11% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$1,026/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 2%
$50,747/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 4%
$165,800 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 43%
$1,016/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 2%
156,543
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,211/year higher in Macon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Macon or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $2,211/year higher in Macon.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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