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

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Jackson is 31% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,018/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 38%
$43,238/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 66%
$108,200 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 109%
$956/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 45%
149,827
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $28,605/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Jackson or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Mesquite?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Mesquite?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $28,605/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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