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

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Downey

California
169

Jackson is 66% cheaper than Downey.

$1,018/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 86%
$43,238/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 102%
$108,200 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 573%
$956/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 109%
149,827
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $44,162/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Downey — common questions

Is Jackson or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Downey?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Downey?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $44,162/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Downey details →

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