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

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Jackson is 18% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,018/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 9%
$43,238/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 45%
$108,200 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 65%
$956/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 17%
149,827
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $19,482/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Abilene — common questions

Is Jackson or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Abilene?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Abilene?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $19,482/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Texas?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jackson and Abilene

Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland