Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Indianapolis is 16% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,112/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 8%
$62,995/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 31%
$207,000 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 48%
$1,124/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 15%
882,043
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $19,757/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Jackson — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Jackson?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Jackson?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $19,757/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Mississippi?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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