Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Jackson is 33% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,018/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 24%
$43,238/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 81%
$108,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 141%
$956/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 30%
149,827
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $35,191/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Sterling Heights slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Jackson or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $35,191/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Michigan?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Sterling Heights details →

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