City Comparison
Macon vs Smyrna
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Macon scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Macon
Smyrna
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Macon is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Smyrna.
Housing costs are a major driver: Macon's average rent is
34% lower than Smyrna's.
| Metric | Macon | Smyrna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,750 | -34% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $190 | -8% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $150 | +47% |
| Monthly Total | $2,035 | $2,630 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Macon offers 10% higher 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 $57,912 in Smyrna.
| Metric | Macon | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $52,722 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $57,912 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,909 idx | 53,255 idx |
| Household Income | $49,500 | $67,048 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Macon runs warmer on average — a 66°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Macon comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Macon sees 2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Macon | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 66.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 38.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 39.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 2.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Macon has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
Macon 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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 33 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Macon is the larger city
— approximately 11x the population of Smyrna.
From a growth perspective, Smyrna is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Macon has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Macon | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,156 | 13,936 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 2.90% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 34.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.60% |
| 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
Smyrna
Advantages
Smyrna is one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, indicating strong development and opportunity.
The cost of living in Smyrna is generally lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
The town boasts a quality school district, making it attractive for families.
Smyrna's strategic location provides convenient access to larger job markets in Dover and Wilmington.
The town offers a strong community-focused lifestyle with a walkable downtown and local events.
Drawbacks
Smyrna has a higher crime rate compared to both national and statewide averages, with a worsening crime trajectory.
The town exhibits high car dependency due to a Walk Score of 0.
The average commute time of 33.4 minutes is higher than the national average.
Public transportation options, while available, may have limited frequency and coverage.
Despite growth, the town itself has limited economic opportunities, requiring commutes for many jobs.
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
Smyrna
#533Delaware, USA
49.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$52,722
Cost Index
99
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
68
Business
72
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