Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Jackson is 11% cheaper than Cedar Rapids.

$1,018/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 9%
$43,238/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 57%
$108,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 64%
$956/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 13%
149,827
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $24,621/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Jackson or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $24,621/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Iowa?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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