Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Houston is 52% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,313/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 22%
$62,894/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 31%
$253,400 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 57%
$1,316/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 27%
2,300,419
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $19,656/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Mississippi's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Jackson — common questions

Is Houston or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Jackson?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Jackson?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $19,656/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Mississippi?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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