Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Macon, GA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Memphis is 5% more expensive than Macon.

$1,123/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 9%
$51,211/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$50,747/yr ≈ Same
$157,100 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$165,800 ↑ 6%
$1,087/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 7%
629,063
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $464/year higher in Memphis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Macon — common questions

Is Memphis or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Macon?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Macon?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $464/year higher in Memphis.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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.
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