Macon, located in the heart of Georgia, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Macon is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $13.5 on average, with a range between $12 and $25.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $35 to $100.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.99, with a range between $8.99 and $13.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.5 to $15, imported beer $6 to $7.5, cappuccino $3 to $12, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $3.5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $0.85.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.98 and $4.41, with an average price of $2.97.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.6 to $3.59, averaging $2.62.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.54 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $1.32 to $11.02 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $8.8 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $2 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $0.96 per liter.
  • Car Purchase (e.g., Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla) - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $32,000 and $36,050, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $23,145 to $28,759.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $800 to $1050, averaging $925.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $800 to $1210, averaging $1005.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400 to $1500, averaging $1450.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1600 to $2000, averaging $1800.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1292.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $1292.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $108.61 and $240, averaging $108.61.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $39.95 to $85, with an average cost of $60.37.
Worldwide
United States

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 16 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$13.50
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$60.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$8.99
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.12
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.85
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.42
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.85
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.97
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.62
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.06
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.85
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$12.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.68
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.76
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$8.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.80
Apples (1kg)
$4.80
Oranges (1kg)
$3.71
Potato (1kg)
$2.05
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.65
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.33
Tomato (1kg)
$4.21
Banana (1kg)
$1.53
Onion (1kg)
$3.12
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$15.48
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.83
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$34,025.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$0.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$24,338.63
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$925.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,005.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,450.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,800.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$108.61
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$60.37
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$44.20
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$16.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.50
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$35.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$50.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$94.50
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,292.00
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,292.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,377.42
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.61%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$950.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$0.00
Macon Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Macon offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out is reasonably priced, and grocery costs are moderate.

Housing is accessible, with rental prices being quite competitive, especially outside the city centre. Utilities and internet services are also affordable.

Transportation costs are manageable, with gasoline prices being relatively low, making it easier for residents to commute or travel by car.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Macon, GA, presents a cost-effective living environment with a balance of affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.

Whether you're planning to move or just visiting, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy what the city has to offer.