Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Jackson is 51% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,018/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 57%
$43,238/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 76%
$108,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 265%
$956/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 75%
149,827
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $32,967/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Lowell — common questions

Is Jackson or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Lowell?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Lowell?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $32,967/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Massachusetts?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Lowell details →

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