Median rent is 38% lower in Jackson ($1,018/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jackson, where the median home runs $108,200 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $43,238 a year). Taken together, Jackson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.5 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Jackson, MS
How much would you need to earn in Jackson, MS to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Jackson, MS
$74,759
You could earn $241 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Jackson
Mississippi
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Jackson — median rent of $1,018/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $108,200 in Jackson — 79% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Mississippi tops out at 4.70% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.00% in Mississippi; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Jackson
Income tax: 4.70%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Jackson has cleaner air on average: 23.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Jackson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,018/mo median).
Pick Jackson if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 23.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Jackson?
Jackson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Jackson.
How much is rent in Austin vs Jackson?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,018/mo in Jackson, MS. Jackson, MS has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Jackson?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $43,238 in Jackson, MS. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Jackson, MS has better air quality on average: 23.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Jackson?
Texas has no state income tax. Mississippi has a top rate of 4.70%.
What salary do I need in Jackson to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,678 in Jackson, MS (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology