Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Macon, GA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Raleigh is 69% more expensive than Macon.

$1,468/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 30%
$82,424/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 38%
$377,800 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 56%
$1,487/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 32%
470,763
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $31,677/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Macon — common questions

Is Raleigh or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Macon?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Macon?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $31,677/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Raleigh or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Macon details →

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