Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Jackson is 52% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,018/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 52%
$43,238/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 88%
$108,200 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 302%
$956/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 71%
149,827
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $37,851/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Jackson or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $37,851/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Michigan?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Ann Arbor details →

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