Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Grand Rapids is 36% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,191/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 15%
$65,526/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 34%
$225,500 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 52%
$1,136/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 16%
197,768
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $22,288/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Grand Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Jackson — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Jackson?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Jackson?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $22,288/year higher in Grand Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Mississippi?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/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 Grand Rapids details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Jackson

Grand Rapids vs. Montgomery Grand Rapids vs. Sioux Falls Grand Rapids vs. Grand Prairie Grand Rapids vs. Overland Park Grand Rapids vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Rapids vs. Huntington Beach Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville