Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Macon, GA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Modesto is 85% more expensive than Macon.

$1,609/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 36%
$77,899/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 35%
$415,600 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 60%
$1,613/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 37%
218,614
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $583/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $6,996/year.

Median household income is $27,152/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Macon — common questions

Is Modesto or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Macon?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $583/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Macon?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $27,152/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Macon details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Macon vs. Alexandria Macon vs. Lakewood Macon vs. Murfreesboro Macon vs. Killeen Macon vs. Paterson Macon vs. Kansas City