City Comparison
Macon vs South Fulton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
South Fulton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Macon
South Fulton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Macon is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in South Fulton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Macon's average rent is
26% lower than South Fulton's.
| Metric | Macon | South Fulton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,550 | -26% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $240 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,035 | $2,515 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Macon offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Macon delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Macon is estimated at
$48,000 vs $52,000 in South Fulton.
| Metric | Macon | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $58,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,909 idx | 60,417 idx |
| Household Income | $49,500 | $64,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 3°F of each other.
For sunshine, Macon comes out ahead with 16 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — South Fulton sees 0.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Macon | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 66.00°F | 63.00°F |
| Summer High | 90.00°F | 86.70°F |
| Winter Low | 38.40°F | 35.30°F |
| Rainfall | 39.00 in | 47.60 in |
| Snowfall | 2.00 in | 2.30 in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | 235 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Macon has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to South Fulton.
South Fulton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Macon leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Macon | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 55.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Macon is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of South Fulton.
From a growth perspective, South Fulton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, South Fulton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Macon | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,156 | 107,436 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.50% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| 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
South Fulton
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates remain more affordable than in northern Atlanta suburbs per Zillow (2024)
Strategic proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport drives strong logistics and employment opportunities
Abundant suburban space and large residential lots offer room for families to grow
Rapidly developing commercial corridors bring new dining, retail, and entertainment options locally
Active community engagement and municipal leadership focused on sustainable local growth
Drawbacks
High car dependency and limited public transit options outside of major bus corridors
Commuting during peak hours along major arteries like I-85 and South Fulton Parkway can experience significant congestion
Property crime rates in certain commercial and residential pockets exceed national averages per FBI crime data
Walkability scores are generally low, requiring driving for most daily errands
Rapid development puts pressure on local infrastructure and traffic management
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
South Fulton
#360Georgia, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
235/yr
Avg Temp
63.00°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
72
Business
68
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