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

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Jackson is 28% cheaper than Gainesville.

$1,018/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 19%
$43,238/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↑ 5%
$108,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 117%
$956/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 22%
149,827
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $2,373/year higher in Gainesville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Jackson or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Gainesville?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Gainesville?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $2,373/year higher in Gainesville.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jackson and Gainesville

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