Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Jackson and Topeka have a similar cost of living.

$1,018/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 7%
$43,238/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 29%
$108,200 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$130,600 ↑ 21%
$956/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 3%
149,827
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $12,664/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Topeka — common questions

Is Jackson or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Topeka?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Topeka?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $12,664/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Kansas?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Topeka details →

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