Cost of Living in Thomaston, GA

Population 9,798 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $36,571, median household incomes in Thomaston land roughly 51% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 34% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Thomaston is about 35 miles west of Macon-Bibb County, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Macon-Bibb County's $166,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 48
Rent 53

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Thomaston

The median home value in Thomaston is $146,100 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $700/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,571/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Thomaston has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$146,100
52% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$176,859
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$700/mo
47% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 37.0%
Renter-occupied 63.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$700
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,314/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.3 min
14% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.3%
Carpooled
8.1%
Walked
6.0%
Work from home
4.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$36,571
51% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,458
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
1% above avg
Poverty Rate
34.2%
Labor Force Participation
48.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.5%
Graduate degree 3.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38
Male median age 32.5
Female median age 41.4

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

89%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
4,144
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Thomaston, GA?

Thomaston has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Thomaston, GA?

The median gross rent in Thomaston is $700 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Thomaston?

The median home value in Thomaston is $146,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Thomaston?

The median household income in Thomaston is $36,571 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Thomaston, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Thomaston is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is Thomaston, GA affordable?

Yes, Thomaston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.