Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Macon, GA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Norfolk is 37% more expensive than Macon.

$1,246/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 18%
$64,017/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 21%
$271,900 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 39%
$1,366/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 26%
235,037
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $13,270/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Macon — common questions

Is Norfolk or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Macon?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Macon?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $13,270/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Macon details →

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