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

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Jackson is 81% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,018/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 193%
$43,238/yr ↓ 75%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 302%
$108,200 ↓ 93%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 1312%
$956/mo ↓ 69%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 219%
149,827
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,967/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $23,604/year.

Median household income is $130,432/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Jackson or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,967/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $130,432/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jackson and Santa Clara

Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville