Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Birmingham is 7% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,047/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 3%
$44,376/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 3%
$138,600 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 22%
$991/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 4%
199,322
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,138/year higher in Birmingham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Jackson — common questions

Is Birmingham or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Jackson?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Jackson?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $1,138/year higher in Birmingham.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Mississippi?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Jackson details →

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