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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Richmond is 51% more expensive than Macon.

$1,314/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 22%
$62,671/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 19%
$328,100 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 49%
$1,374/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 26%
227,595
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

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $11,924/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Macon — common questions

Is Richmond or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Macon?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Macon?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $11,924/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Macon details →

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