Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Macon, GA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Portland is 112% more expensive than Macon.

$1,596/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 36%
$88,792/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 43%
$557,600 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 70%
$1,771/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 43%
642,715
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $38,045/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Macon — common questions

Is Portland or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Macon?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Macon?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $38,045/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Georgia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Macon details →

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