Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Macon is 35% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,026/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 28%
$50,747/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 26%
$165,800 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 111%
$1,016/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 35%
156,543
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $13,153/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Macon or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Wilmington?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Wilmington?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $13,153/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Macon details → View Wilmington details →

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