Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Waco, TX (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Jackson is 19% cheaper than Waco.

$1,018/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 8%
$43,238/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↑ 19%
$108,200 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 84%
$956/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 14%
149,827
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $8,230/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Mississippi's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Waco — common questions

Is Jackson or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Waco?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Waco?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $8,230/year higher in Waco.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Texas?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Waco details →

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