Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Macon, GA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Newark is 54% more expensive than Macon.

$1,330/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 23%
$48,416/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↑ 5%
$337,800 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 51%
$1,419/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 28%
307,188
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $304/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $3,648/year.

Median household income is $2,331/year higher in Macon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Macon — common questions

Is Newark or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Macon?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $304/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Macon?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $2,331/year higher in Macon.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Georgia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Macon details →

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