Median rent is 51% lower in Jackson ($874/mo vs $1,789/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jackson, where the median home runs $94,700 versus $583,900. Households earn more in Sandy Springs ($101,593 vs $42,848 a year). Taken together, Jackson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.5 against 98.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sandy Springs, GA.
City A
Jackson, MI
City B
Sandy Springs, GA
How much would you need to earn in Sandy Springs, GA to maintain your standard of living from Jackson, MI?
Equivalent salary in Sandy Springs, GA
$75,089
You'd need $89 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
Jackson
Michigan
Sandy Springs
Georgia
👥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 $1,789/mo in Sandy Springs, a 51% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Sandy Springs: the median home is $583,900 versus $94,700 in Jackson — 84% 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 5.49% in Georgia, so Jackson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 4.00% in Georgia; Sandy Springs has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jackson
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Sandy Springs
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Sandy Springs if you prioritize higher median household income ($101,593/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 Sandy Springs?
Jackson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 98.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Jackson.
How much is rent in Jackson vs Sandy Springs?
Median rent is $874/mo in Jackson, MI and $1,789/mo in Sandy Springs, GA. Jackson, MI has the lower rent by about 51%.
Which has higher salaries — Jackson or Sandy Springs?
Median household income is $42,848 in Jackson, MI and $101,593 in Sandy Springs, GA. Sandy Springs, GA 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 Sandy Springs?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Georgia's is 5.49%. Jackson, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Sandy Springs to match my Jackson income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Jackson, MI is equivalent to roughly $100,119 in Sandy Springs, GA (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