Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Fresno is 74% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,324/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 23%
$66,804/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 35%
$348,500 ↑ 222%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 69%
$1,391/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 31%
543,615
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $23,566/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Jackson — common questions

Is Fresno or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Jackson?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Jackson?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $23,566/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Mississippi?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Jackson details →

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