Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Baltimore is 45% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,290/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 21%
$59,623/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 27%
$219,300 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 51%
$1,333/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 28%
577,193
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $16,385/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Jackson — common questions

Is Baltimore or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Jackson?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Jackson?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $16,385/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Mississippi?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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.
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