Median rent is 39% lower in Jackson ($1,094/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jackson, where the median home runs $195,000 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $51,552 a year). Taken together, Jackson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.5 against 113.0 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Jackson is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.5 in Jackson vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Jackson, TN
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Jackson, TN?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$86,038
You'd need $11,038 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
Tennessee
New York
New York
👥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 $1,094/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $195,000 in Jackson — 74% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Jackson a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jackson
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Jackson.
Pick Jackson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.5 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Jackson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,094/mo median).
Pick Jackson if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Jackson cheaper than New York?
Jackson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Jackson.
How much is rent in Jackson vs New York?
Median rent is $1,094/mo in Jackson, TN and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Jackson, TN has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Jackson or New York?
Median household income is $51,552 in Jackson, TN and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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 New York?
Tennessee has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Jackson income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Jackson, TN is equivalent to roughly $114,717 in New York, NY (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