Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Augusta and Macon, Georgia. Using Georgia's 0.92% property tax rate and $2,200/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Macon edges out Augusta in affordability, saving you roughly $205/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Georgia, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Georgia's 0.92% property tax rate.
Buying in Macon saves you approximately $205/month ($2,460/year) compared to Augusta, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Macon is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $165K versus $195K in Augusta. That's $30K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $6K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Macon, compared to $7K in Augusta. Georgia offers the Georgia Dream Homeownership program (Up to $10,000 DPA) which applies in both cities.
Macon has the better price-to-rent ratio at 14.5x versus 15.5x in Augusta. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Macon is $950/month on a $165K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Augusta (pop. 202,081) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Macon (pop. 157,346) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Macon, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.