Median rent is 26% lower in Jackson ($1,018/mo vs $1,375/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jackson, where the median home runs $108,200 versus $266,100. Households earn more in Jacksonville ($66,981 vs $43,238 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.5).
City A
Jackson, MS
City B
Jacksonville, FL
How much would you need to earn in Jacksonville, FL to maintain your standard of living from Jackson, MS?
Equivalent salary in Jacksonville, FL
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Mississippi
Jacksonville
Florida
👥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 $1,375/mo in Jacksonville, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Jacksonville: the median home is $266,100 versus $108,200 in Jackson — 59% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Mississippi tops out at 4.70% — giving Jacksonville a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Mississippi and 6.00% in Florida; Jacksonville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jackson
Income tax: 4.70%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Jacksonville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Jackson has cleaner air on average: 23.0 AQI (Good) compared to 42.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize higher median household income ($66,981/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 Jacksonville if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Jackson cheaper than Jacksonville?
Jackson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 98.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Jackson.
How much is rent in Jackson vs Jacksonville?
Median rent is $1,018/mo in Jackson, MS and $1,375/mo in Jacksonville, FL. Jackson, MS has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Jackson or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson, MS and $66,981 in Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville, FL 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 42.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Jackson or Jacksonville?
Florida has no state income tax. Mississippi has a top rate of 4.70%.
What salary do I need in Jacksonville to match my Jackson income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Jackson, MS is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Jacksonville, FL (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