Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Jackson is 16% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,018/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 15%
$43,238/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$43,454/yr ≈ Same
$108,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 14%
$956/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 13%
149,827
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $216/year higher in Dayton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Dayton — common questions

Is Jackson or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Dayton?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Dayton?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $216/year higher in Dayton.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Ohio?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jackson and Dayton

Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville