Median rent is 53% lower in Jackson ($874/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jackson, where the median home runs $94,700 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $42,848 a year). Taken together, Jackson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.5 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Jackson is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.5 in Jackson vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Jackson, MI
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Jackson, MI?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$86,282
You'd need $11,282 more (15% 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
Jackson
Michigan
Los Angeles
California
👥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 $874/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 53% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $94,700 in Jackson — 89% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 13.30% in California, so Jackson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 7.25% in California; Jackson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jackson
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Jackson.
Pick Jackson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.5 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Jackson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($874/mo median).
Pick Jackson if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Jackson cheaper than Los Angeles?
Jackson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Jackson.
How much is rent in Jackson vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $874/mo in Jackson, MI and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Jackson, MI has the lower rent by about 53%.
Which has higher salaries — Jackson or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $42,848 in Jackson, MI and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA 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 — Jackson or Los Angeles?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and California's is 13.30%. Jackson, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Jackson income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Jackson, MI is equivalent to roughly $115,043 in Los Angeles, CA (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