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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Oakland is 200% more expensive than Macon.

$1,917/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 46%
$97,369/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 48%
$924,700 ↑ 458%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 82%
$2,164/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 53%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $891/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $10,692/year.

Median household income is $46,622/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Macon — common questions

Is Oakland or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Macon?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $891/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Macon?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $46,622/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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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