Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Des Moines is 21% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,054/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 3%
$63,966/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 32%
$183,700 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 41%
$1,137/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 16%
212,464
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,728/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Jackson — common questions

Is Des Moines or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Jackson?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Jackson?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $20,728/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Mississippi?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Jackson details →

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