Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Billings, MT (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Jackson is 33% cheaper than Billings.

$1,018/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 8%
$43,238/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 66%
$108,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 188%
$956/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 23%
149,827
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
6.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $28,617/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Billings — common questions

Is Jackson or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Billings?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Billings?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $28,617/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Montana?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jackson and Billings

Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston