Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Jackson is 45% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,018/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 51%
$43,238/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 49%
$108,200 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 201%
$956/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 48%
149,827
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $521/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $6,252/year.

Median household income is $21,202/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Mississippi's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Jackson or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Clearwater?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $521/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Clearwater?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $21,202/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Florida?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Clearwater details →

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