Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Jackson is 48% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,018/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 44%
$43,238/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 48%
$108,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 264%
$956/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 61%
149,827
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $20,636/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Jackson or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $20,636/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and New Jersey?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Elizabeth details →

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