Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of The Macerich Company on Form S-3 (File No. 333-21157), Form S-3 (File No. 333-38721) and Form S-8 of our report dated March 17, 1999, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of The Macerich Company as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, which report is included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Los Angeles, California March 29, 1999 82