Skyline of Jackson
Cost of Living: 88.5 153,701

Jackson, MS, US

Capital city with blues history, cheap housing, and Southern soul food.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 88.5

Below Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 72.5

Affordable

Median Income $38,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.8%

Job market health

Jackson vs US Average

Cost of Living
Jackson: 88.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Jackson: 72.5
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Jackson: 5%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.0%
  • Sales Tax: 7.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $38,000
  • Unemployment: 4.8%
  • Population: 153,701

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 216/year
  • Summer High: 92°F
  • Winter Low: 35°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $125,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

Cost of Living

Jackson's cost of living index is 88.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryJacksonNational AverageDifference
Overall88.5100-11.5%
Housing72.5100-27.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$125,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/mo
Price per Sq Ft$83

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Jackson:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$100Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$203Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$40Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$65Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$433Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Jackson

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,140/mo.

Jackson Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,045/mo.

East Jackson

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $855/mo.

West Jackson

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $903/mo.

Remote Work Score

Jackson scores 125/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 216 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Jackson has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January55°F35°F2.5"
April77°F50°F2.8"
July92°F67°F1.5"
October72°F53°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5%
  • Sales Tax: 7%
  • Property Tax: ~0.79% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS, US?

The cost of living index in Jackson is 88.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Jackson?

The median home price in Jackson is $125,000. The housing index is 72.5.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson is approximately $950/mo.

Does Jackson, MS have income tax?

Jackson is in MS, which has an income tax rate of 5%.

What is the climate like in Jackson?

Jackson enjoys approximately 216 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,92°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.35°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.