Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Jackson is 74% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,018/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 118%
$43,238/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 140%
$108,200 ↓ 90%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 866%
$956/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 145%
149,827
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,200/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $14,400/year.

Median household income is $60,540/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Jackson or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Pasadena?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,200/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Pasadena?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $60,540/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and California?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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