Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Cary is 133% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,621/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 37%
$129,399/yr ↑ 199%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 67%
$525,200 ↑ 385%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 79%
$1,744/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 45%
176,686
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $86,161/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Jackson — common questions

Is Cary or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Jackson?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Jackson?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $86,161/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Mississippi?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Jackson details →

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