Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Jackson is 56% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,018/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 68%
$43,238/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 128%
$108,200 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 348%
$956/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 68%
149,827
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $55,448/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Meridian — common questions

Is Jackson or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Meridian?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Meridian?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $55,448/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Idaho?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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