Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Jackson is 27% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,018/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 25%
$43,238/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 24%
$108,200 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 75%
$956/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 30%
149,827
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $10,165/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Allentown — common questions

Is Jackson or Allentown 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 Jackson and Allentown?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Allentown?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $10,165/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Pennsylvania?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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