Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Macon, GA (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

St. Louis and Macon have a similar cost of living.

$978/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↑ 5%
$55,279/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 8%
$185,100 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 10%
$1,013/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ≈ Same
293,109
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,532/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Macon — common questions

Is St. Louis or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Macon?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Macon?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $4,532/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Georgia?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% 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 St. Louis or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Macon details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Macon

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