City Comparison
Macon vs Roswell
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Roswell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Macon
Roswell
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Macon is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
25% lower than in Roswell.
Housing costs are a major driver: Macon's average rent is
34% lower than Roswell's.
| Metric | Macon | Roswell | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,750 | -34% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $230 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,035 | $2,705 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Roswell offers 26% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Roswell delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Macon is estimated at
$48,000 vs $62,000 in Roswell.
| Metric | Macon | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,909 idx | 69,643 idx |
| Household Income | $49,500 | $105,432 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 3.8°F of each other.
For sunshine, Macon comes out ahead with 15 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Roswell sees 1.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Macon | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 66.00°F | 62.20°F |
| Summer High | 90.00°F | 86.70°F |
| Winter Low | 38.40°F | 34.80°F |
| Rainfall | 39.00 in | 46.90 in |
| Snowfall | 2.00 in | 3.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | 236 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Macon has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Roswell.
Roswell scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Roswell leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Macon | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 54.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Macon is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Roswell.
From a growth perspective, Roswell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Roswell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Macon | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,156 | 92,835 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 40.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Macon
Advantages
Median home prices in Macon are significantly lower than the national average, offering high housing affordability per square foot (Zillow, 2024)
Rich cultural and musical history featuring world-class annual events like the International Cherry Blossom Festival
Strategic central Georgia location providing convenient access to Atlanta, Savannah, and regional natural attractions
Major healthcare hub anchored by robust medical centers like Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont Macon
Abundant outdoor recreation options, including the expansive Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Amerson River Park
Drawbacks
Property crime rates in certain urban neighborhoods exceed the national median, requiring careful neighborhood selection (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, 2024)
Public transportation options are limited, making a personal vehicle practically essential for daily commuting and errands
Hot and humid summer climate can be intensely stifling for individuals sensitive to high temperatures
Average local wages lag somewhat behind major metropolitan economic centers in the state
Economic mobility and job growth in certain traditional sectors have historically trailed high-growth tech hubs
Roswell
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Georgia with crime rates well below the national average.
Exceptional public school system operated by the Fulton County School District.
Vibrant historic downtown and Canton Street offering renowned dining, shopping, and community events.
Abundant outdoor recreation access, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and extensive trail systems.
Strong local economy with low unemployment and robust median household incomes.
Drawbacks
Cost of living and housing prices are significantly higher than the U.S. and Georgia state averages.
High car dependency with limited public mass transit options within the city limits.
Peak-hour traffic congestion along major thoroughfares like Holcomb Bridge Road and GA-400.
Competitive real estate market makes finding affordable housing challenging for first-time buyers.
Property taxes in Fulton County can place a heavier financial burden on homeowners.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Macon
#511Georgia, USA
52.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
66.00°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
72
Business
65
Roswell
#138Georgia, USA
65.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
236/yr
Avg Temp
62.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
84
Business
76
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