Is Macon-Bibb County, GA cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Macon-Bibb County, GA is 15.8% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL. This translates to saving $1186 per month.

What salary do I need in Macon-Bibb County, GA to live like I do in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you'd need approximately $135,770.001 in Macon-Bibb County, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Housing in Macon-Bibb County, GA is 35.8% cheaper than in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $975/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA compared to $2,330/month in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Macon-Bibb County, GA could save you approximately $1186 per month, or $14230 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Macon-Bibb County, GA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Macon-Bibb County, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.8K in Macon-Bibb County, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,186

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.2K

Per year

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Population:184K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$530K

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population:157K

Cost Index:

(16% below avg)

Median Home:$153K

Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Sunshine State

184K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 184K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

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: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Macon-Bibb County, GA

Category	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Macon-Bibb County, GA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $1,164less	35.8%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,705/mo	↓ $220less	11.4%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,569/mo	↑ $108more	7.4%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$609/mo	↑ $89.58more	17.3%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$999/mo	↓ $80.52less	7.5%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$535/mo	↓ $53.23less	9.0%

Housing

↓ 35.8%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$3,248

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$2,084

Difference

$1,164

less

Other

↓ 11.4%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,925

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,705

Difference

$220

less

Transportation

↑ 7.4%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,462

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,569

Difference

$108

All Utilities

↑ 17.3%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$519

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$609

Difference

$89.58

Groceries

↓ 7.5%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,079

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$999

Difference

$80.52

less

Healthcare

↓ 9.0%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$589

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$535

Difference

$53.23

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$704

↓ $1,026

1 Bed

From$1,900

To$813

↓ $1,087

2 Bed

From$2,330

To$975

↓ $1,355

3 Bed

From$3,210

To$1,301

↓ $1,909

Fort Lauderdale, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,850/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.

$8,822

Monthly in Fort Lauderdale, FL

$7,502

Monthly in Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,320

Difference

Home Values

Fort Lauderdale

Macon-Bibb County

$530K

Median Value

↓ -4.7%

YoY Change

↑ +38.6%

5-Year Change

$358K - $851K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Fort Lauderdale

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$704

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.