Median rent is 1% lower in Jackson ($1,018/mo vs $1,030/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jackson, where the median home runs $108,200 versus $167,100. Households earn more in Gulfport ($46,044 vs $43,238 a year). Taken together, Gulfport is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.2 against 98.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Gulfport, MS.
City A
Gulfport, MS
City B
Jackson, MS
How much would you need to earn in Jackson, MS to maintain your standard of living from Gulfport, MS?
Equivalent salary in Jackson, MS
$75,212
You'd need $212 more (0% higher).
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
Gulfport
Mississippi
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,030/mo in Gulfport and $1,018/mo in Jackson. Home buyers face a steeper market in Gulfport: the median home is $167,100 versus $108,200 in Jackson — 35% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Mississippi's top income tax rate is 4.70% versus 4.70% in Mississippi, so Jackson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Mississippi and 7.00% in Mississippi; Jackson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Gulfport
Income tax: 4.70%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Jackson
Income tax: 4.70%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is available for Jackson (avg AQI 23.0) but not yet for Gulfport.
Pick Gulfport if you prioritize higher median household income ($46,044/yr).
Is Gulfport cheaper than Jackson?
Gulfport is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.2 versus 98.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Gulfport.
How much is rent in Gulfport vs Jackson?
Median rent is $1,030/mo in Gulfport, MS and $1,018/mo in Jackson, MS. Jackson, MS has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — Gulfport or Jackson?
Median household income is $46,044 in Gulfport, MS and $43,238 in Jackson, MS. Gulfport, MS 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Gulfport or Jackson?
Mississippi's top income tax rate is 4.70% and Mississippi's is 4.70%. Jackson, MS has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Jackson to match my Gulfport income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Gulfport, MS is equivalent to roughly $100,282 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