RentData

Average Rent in Macon, GA Rents rising 9.2% YoY🔺 9th priciest in GA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 234,040

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Macon, GA has rental prices ranging from $1,014/month to $1,660/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,082/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,127/year, spending $1,082/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Macon Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,252/month, Macon ranks #9 most expensive of the 114 cities tracked in Georgia — pricier than 84% of all US cities in our data.

The Macon Rental Market

The Macon, GA area has a population of about 234,040 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Macon, GA have risen by $106/month (9.2%) over the past year, from $1,146 to $1,252. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Macon, GA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,280. The local median household income of $58,127 exceeds that threshold by $14,847, making Macon relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Macon, GA is $174,479, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 11.6. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 12 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,014
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,082
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,252
9.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,508
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,660
Average
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Median Home Value
$174,479
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$929/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Macon, GA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$50,080/year
Local median income: $58,127
To buy a median home
$37,146/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,252/month and 20% down on a $174,479 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in GAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Atlanta$1,591$1,653$1,830$2,205
Augusta$868$1,039$1,175$1,545
Chattanooga$1,231$1,284$1,426$1,796
Savannah$1,324$1,431$1,584$2,131
Talbot County$723$767$905$1,268
Stewart County$770$817$964$1,161

Rent or Buy in Macon?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Macon data

$
Home Value
$174,479
2BR Rent
$1,252/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$929/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,285/movs rent: $1,252/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $174,479 home at 7% rate

20% — $34,896
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$929
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$139,583
Total Paid
$334,314
Total Interest
$194,731
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Macon

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Macon

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Macon

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Macon

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in GA

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📋GA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections