Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Jackson is 68% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,018/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 88%
$43,238/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 116%
$108,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 266%
$956/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 66%
149,827
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $899/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $10,788/year.

Median household income is $50,133/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Surprise — common questions

Is Jackson or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Surprise?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $899/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Surprise?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $50,133/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Arizona?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Surprise details →