Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Jackson is 77% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,018/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 109%
$43,238/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 151%
$108,200 ↓ 92%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 1149%
$956/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 145%
149,827
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,109/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $13,308/year.

Median household income is $65,320/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Mississippi has a lower income tax rate, making Jackson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Jackson or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Berkeley?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,109/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Berkeley?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $65,320/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and California?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Berkeley details →

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