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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Nashville is 69% more expensive than Macon.

$1,486/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 31%
$75,197/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 33%
$383,100 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 57%
$1,471/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 31%
684,298
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $24,450/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Macon — common questions

Is Nashville or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Macon?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Macon?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $24,450/year higher in Nashville.
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 Nashville or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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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