Cost of Living in McRae-Helena, GA

With a cost of living index of 61, McRae-Helena, GA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 39% cheaper than the national average and 21% below the Georgia state average of 82. McRae-Helena is a smaller community of 5,959 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in McRae-Helena's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $606 (54% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $111,800 (63% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in McRae-Helena is $51,296, which is 32% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.