Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Macon, GA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

New Orleans is 38% more expensive than Macon.

$1,211/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 15%
$55,339/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 8%
$296,400 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 44%
$1,274/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 20%
376,035
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $4,592/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Macon — common questions

Is New Orleans or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Macon?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Macon?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $4,592/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Georgia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Macon details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Macon

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