Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Arlington is 250% more expensive than Jackson.

$2,275/mo ↑ 123%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 55%
$140,160/yr ↑ 224%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 69%
$864,800 ↑ 699%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 87%
$2,414/mo ↑ 153%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 60%
235,463
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,257/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $15,084/year.

Median household income is $96,922/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Mississippi has a lower income tax rate, making Jackson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Jackson — common questions

Is Arlington or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Jackson?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $1,257/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Jackson?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $96,922/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Mississippi?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Jackson details →

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