Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Jackson is 42% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,018/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 29%
$43,238/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 48%
$108,200 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 224%
$956/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 43%
149,827
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $20,662/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Jackson or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Wilmington?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Wilmington?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $20,662/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and North Carolina?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jackson details → View Wilmington details →

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