Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Macon, GA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Macon

Georgia
65

Worcester is 60% more expensive than Macon.

$1,415/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,026/mo ↓ 27%
$67,544/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$50,747/yr ↓ 25%
$339,500 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$165,800 ↓ 51%
$1,521/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 33%
205,501
Population
156,543

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Macon, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Macon, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $16,797/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $165,800 in Macon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Macon — common questions

Is Worcester or Macon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Macon is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Macon?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Macon it's $1,026/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Macon?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $50,747 in Macon. Median household income is $16,797/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Georgia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Macon?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Macon details →

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