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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Durham is 81% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,412/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 28%
$79,234/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 45%
$355,300 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 70%
$1,434/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 33%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $35,996/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Jackson — common questions

Is Durham or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Jackson?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Jackson?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $35,996/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Jackson details →

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