Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Macon, GA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Madison is 58% more expensive than Macon.

$1,364/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 25%
$76,983/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 34%
$346,900 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 52%
$1,476/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 31%
275,568
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $26,236/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Macon — common questions

Is Madison or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Macon?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Macon?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $26,236/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Georgia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Macon has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,026/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Macon details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Macon

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Macon vs. Alexandria Macon vs. Lakewood Macon vs. Murfreesboro Macon vs. Killeen Macon vs. Paterson Macon vs. Kansas City