The True Cost of Living in Macon, Georgia in 2025

by Luke Smith

The True Cost of Living in Macon, Georgia in 2025

TL;DR — Cost of living in Macon is about 14% below the national average and 17% below Georgia’s average, driven by notably affordable housing: the median home price around $151,500 and mortgage payments near $1,133 per month, with rents for a studio around $923, a 1-bedroom about $1,012, and a 2-bedroom about $1,140. Utilities average roughly $352 per month, and transportation costs are manageable with an average 22‑minute commute and gas around $2.95 per gallon. Taxes and insurance are relatively affordable, with Georgia’s flat income tax at 5.39% (rising to 4.99% by 2029) and an 8% sales tax (4% state, 4% county); homeowner’s insurance averages about $95–$110 per month on a $160,000 home. On a $50,000 salary, a single person can live comfortably in Macon after taxes, while a family of four would need about $82,000 to purchase a median-priced home and cover expenses, making Macon notably cheaper than Atlanta and appealing for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

If you're considering a move to Macon, Georgia in the coming years, it's important to understand the true cost of living in this Middle Georgia city. From housing and utilities to transportation, healthcare, and lifestyle expenses, there are a lot of factors to consider when determining whether Macon is the right fit for your budget and quality of life.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the latest data on living costs in Macon, Georgia as of 2025. We'll compare Macon's affordability to the national and state averages, as well as the much higher costs of living in nearby Atlanta. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what your money can buy in Macon and whether it's possible to thrive on a $50,000 annual salary.

 

Macon's Cost of Living Compared to the National and State Averages

To start, let's look at how Macon's overall cost of living stacks up against the rest of the country and the state of Georgia. According to our research, the cost of living in Macon is a full 14% lower than the national average, and 17% lower than the average for the state of Georgia.

This means that for the same lifestyle and expenses, you'll pay significantly less in Macon compared to many other parts of the U.S. This is a major advantage for both individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets further.

 

Housing Costs in Macon, Georgia

One of the biggest drivers of Macon's lower cost of living is the affordable housing market. As of July 2025, the median home price in Macon was just $151,500 - a staggering 64% less than the national average of $420,000.

For those looking to buy, a typical mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) on a median-priced Macon home comes out to just $1,133 per month. This is about the same as the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Atlanta, giving Macon residents significantly more home for their money.

Even if you choose to rent in Macon, the savings are substantial. The average rent for a studio apartment is $923, 39% lower than the national average. One-bedrooms average $1,012 and two-bedrooms $1,140 - all well below what you'd pay in Atlanta's suburbs.

For those relocating to the Macon area, especially for jobs at Robins Air Force Base, the housing affordability is a major draw. Many veterans and retirees choose to settle in Macon and the surrounding Middle Georgia region to take advantage of the low cost of living and build home equity.

 

Taxes and Insurance Costs in Macon

In addition to lower home prices, Macon residents also benefit from relatively low property taxes and insurance costs. The effective property tax rate in Bib County, where Macon is located, is just 83% of the home value. This translates to an average of $95-$110 per month for homeowner's insurance on a $160,000 home.

Georgia also has a flat state income tax rate of 5.39% (dropping to 4.99% by 2029), and the sales tax in Macon/Bib County is 8% - 4% state and 4% county. While these taxes are not the lowest in the country, they are still significantly more affordable than what you'd find in many other states.

 

Utility and Transportation Costs in Macon

Utility costs in Macon are also quite reasonable, with the average monthly bill for electricity, water/sewer, internet, and trash coming out to just $352. This is 17% lower than the national average.

When it comes to transportation, Macon residents will need to own a vehicle, as public transit options are limited. However, the average commute time of 22 minutes is 12 minutes shorter than the Atlanta average. Gas prices in Macon hover around $2.95 per gallon, and the average driver uses 44 gallons per month, equating to about $129 in monthly fuel costs.

Car insurance in Macon averages $165 per month, which is on par with the national average. Overall, Macon's transportation costs are quite manageable, especially compared to the traffic and expenses of living in a larger metro area like Atlanta.

 

Grocery and Dining Costs in Macon

  • Groceries: Macon's grocery costs are only 3% lower than the national average, with a single adult spending around $299 per month and a family of four around $1,200.

  • Dining Out: The average meal at a Macon restaurant costs $15-$20 per person, making it an affordable option for both everyday dining and special occasions.

While grocery costs don't see as dramatic of a difference as housing, Macon still offers significant savings compared to larger metro areas. And with a variety of local, high-quality dining options, residents can enjoy a vibrant food scene without breaking the bank.

 

Healthcare Costs in Macon

Healthcare is one area where Macon's costs are closer to the national average, but still offer some savings. For individual health insurance coverage, a 35-year-old can expect to pay around $450 per month for a BCBS Georgia silver plan, before any subsidies.

Family coverage on a mid-tier plan averages $1,400 per month. However, out-of-pocket healthcare costs in Macon are 8-11% below the national average, according to CMS data.

Residents who work at Robins Air Force Base have access to some of the best healthcare benefits in the country, including Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. This can be a major perk for those employed on the base or in surrounding businesses.

 

Can You Thrive on a $50,000 Salary in Macon?

The key question we set out to answer is whether it's possible to live comfortably in Macon, Georgia on a $50,000 annual salary. Based on our research, the answer is a resounding yes.

For a single renter, a $50,000 pre-tax salary translates to about $42,000 after taxes. This would cover a one-bedroom apartment ($1,012/month), utilities ($350/month), groceries ($299/month), transportation ($294/month), and health insurance ($450/month) with room to spare.

For a family of four purchasing a median-priced home, a household income of $82,000 is the minimum required. This covers a mortgage payment of $1,133/month, utilities ($450/month), groceries ($1,200/month), transportation ($500/month), and health insurance ($1,400/month).

Compared to the $115,000 needed to live comfortably in Atlanta, Macon's $82,000 requirement is a significant difference. This allows families to enjoy a higher quality of life, with more disposable income for savings, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle expenses.

 

 

Why Macon is an Attractive Option for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Macon's affordability makes it an appealing destination for several key real estate demographics:

  • Buyers: With mortgage payments often cheaper than rents in Atlanta's suburbs, Macon offers an opportunity for buyers to build equity rather than pay someone else's mortgage.

  • Sellers: Low inventory and high demand from relocation buyers keep Macon home prices stable, making it a seller's market. Sellers can often get top dollar for their properties.

  • Investors: Macon's rent-to-price ratio of 0.79% allows for strong cash flow, making it an attractive market for real estate investors.

Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, Macon's real estate landscape presents some unique advantages. To learn more about navigating the Macon market, we encourage you to book a free consultation with our team at Living in Middle Georgia.

 

Explore Macon and Middle Georgia with Living in Middle Georgia

As a veteran-owned, faith-driven real estate team, we at Living in Middle Georgia are passionate about helping families, individuals, and investors make smart, wealth-building moves in this vibrant region.

In addition to our comprehensive cost of living analysis, we offer a wealth of other resources to guide your exploration of Macon and the surrounding Middle Georgia area:

Whether you're relocating for work, considering retirement, or just exploring more affordable options outside of Atlanta, we're here to provide the local insight and strategic guidance you need to make the best decision for your family. Let's connect and start planning your move to Macon, Georgia!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

How does Macon’s cost of living compare to national and Georgia averages?

Macon’s cost of living is about 14% lower than the national average and 17% lower than the Georgia average.

 

What are typical housing costs in Macon?

As of July 2025, the median home price is about $151,500; mortgage payments average around $1,133 per month. Studio rents are about $923, 1-bedroom around $1,012, and 2-bedrooms about $1,140 per month.

 

What about taxes and insurance costs in Macon?

Property taxes and insurance costs are relatively low, with homeowner’s insurance around $95–$110 per month on a $160,000 home. Georgia has a flat income tax of 5.39% (rising to 4.99% by 2029) and an 8% sales tax (4% state, 4% county).

 

Can you live on a $50,000 salary in Macon?

Yes. For a single renter, after taxes you’d have about $42,000 to cover a 1-bedroom apartment (~$1,012/mo), utilities (~$350/mo), groceries (~$299/mo), transportation (~$294/mo), and health insurance (~$450/mo). A family of four would need about $82,000 to buy a median-priced home and cover housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and health insurance; this is well below the roughly $115,000 needed to live comfortably in Atlanta.

 

Why is Macon attractive for buyers, sellers, and investors?

Macon offers strong affordability with mortgage payments often cheaper than Atlanta’s, a favorable rent-to-price ratio (about 0.79%), low inventory, and relocation demand, making it appealing for buyers, sellers, and real estate investors alike.

 

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