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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Milwaukee and Macon have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ≈ Same
$51,888/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 2%
$172,000 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 4%
$1,082/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 6%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,141/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Macon — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Macon?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Macon?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $1,141/year higher in Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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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