Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Boston is 203% more expensive than Jackson.

$2,093/mo ↑ 106%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 51%
$94,755/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 54%
$710,400 ↑ 557%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 85%
$2,176/mo ↑ 128%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 56%
663,972
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,075/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $12,900/year.

Median household income is $51,517/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Jackson — common questions

Is Boston or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Jackson?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $1,075/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Jackson?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $51,517/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Mississippi?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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