Is Macon-Bibb County, GA cheaper than Cary, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Macon-Bibb County, GA is 0.7% cheaper than Cary, NC. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Macon-Bibb County, GA to live like I do in Cary, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Cary, NC, you'd need approximately $149,366.135 in Macon-Bibb County, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cary, NC and Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Housing in Macon-Bibb County, GA is 4.2% cheaper than in Cary, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $975/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA compared to $1,473/month in Cary, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Cary, NC to Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Moving from Cary, NC to Macon-Bibb County, GA could save you approximately $53 per month, or $634 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cary, NC vs Macon-Bibb County, GA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Cary, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $52.82/month moving to Macon-Bibb County, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.4K in Macon-Bibb County, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$52.82

Savings

Annual Impact

$634

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$514K

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population:157K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$153K

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 180K residents.

Macon-Bibb County, GA

The Peach State

157K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 157K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cary, NC vs Macon-Bibb County, GA

Category	Cary, NC	Macon-Bibb County, GA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,257/mo	$1,569/mo	↑ $312more	24.8%
Housing	$2,175/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $90.96less	4.2%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$609/mo	↑ $68.03more	12.6%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$535/mo	↓ $59.27less	10.0%
Groceries	$949/mo	$999/mo	↑ $49.53more	5.2%
Other	$1,672/mo	$1,705/mo	↑ $33.87more	2.0%

Transportation

↑ 24.8%

Cary, NC

$1,257

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,569

Difference

$312

Housing

↓ 4.2%

Cary, NC

$2,175

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$2,084

Difference

$90.96

less

All Utilities

↑ 12.6%

Cary, NC

$541

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$609

Difference

$68.03

Healthcare

↓ 10.0%

Cary, NC

$595

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$535

Difference

$59.27

less

Groceries

↑ 5.2%

Cary, NC

$949

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$999

Difference

$49.53

Other

↑ 2.0%

Cary, NC

$1,672

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,705

Difference

$33.87

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,281

To$704

↓ $577

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$813

↓ $531

2 Bed

From$1,473

To$975

↓ $498

3 Bed

From$1,847

To$1,301

↓ $546

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$7,502

Monthly in Macon-Bibb County, GA

$313

Difference

Home Values

Cary

Macon-Bibb County

$514K

Median Value

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

$481K - $548K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Cary

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$111

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Cary, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Macon-Bibb County, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.