Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Jackson is 12% cheaper than McAllen.

$1,018/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ≈ Same
$43,238/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 39%
$108,200 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 61%
$956/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↑ 4%
149,827
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,927/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs McAllen — common questions

Is Jackson or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and McAllen?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or McAllen?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $16,927/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Texas?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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