Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Huntsville is 34% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,078/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 6%
$70,778/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 39%
$263,100 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 59%
$1,046/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 9%
218,814
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $27,540/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Jackson — common questions

Is Huntsville or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Jackson?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Jackson?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $27,540/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Mississippi?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Jackson details →

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