Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Jackson is 25% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,018/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 5%
$43,238/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 42%
$108,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 132%
$956/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 11%
149,827
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,216/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Jackson or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Lafayette?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Lafayette?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $18,216/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Louisiana?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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