Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Columbus is 43% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,224/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 17%
$65,327/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 34%
$234,500 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 54%
$1,243/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 23%
906,480
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $22,089/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Jackson — common questions

Is Columbus or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Jackson?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Jackson?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $22,089/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Mississippi?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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