Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Charleston is 70% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,632/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 38%
$90,038/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 52%
$469,100 ↑ 334%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 77%
$1,688/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 43%
152,014
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $46,800/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Jackson — common questions

Is Charleston or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Jackson?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Jackson?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $46,800/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Mississippi?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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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