Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Austin is 131% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,655/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 38%
$91,461/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 53%
$512,700 ↑ 374%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 79%
$1,747/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 45%
967,862
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $637/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $7,644/year.

Median household income is $48,223/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Mississippi's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Jackson — common questions

Is Austin or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Jackson?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $637/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Jackson?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $48,223/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Mississippi?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Jackson details →

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