Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Atlanta is 110% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,617/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 37%
$81,938/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 47%
$420,600 ↑ 289%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 74%
$1,695/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 44%
499,287
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $38,700/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Jackson — common questions

Is Atlanta or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Jackson?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Jackson?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $38,700/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Mississippi?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Jackson details →

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