Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Kansas City is 38% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,186/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 14%
$67,449/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 36%
$227,000 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 52%
$1,205/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 21%
508,233
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $24,211/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Jackson — common questions

Is Kansas City or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Jackson?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Jackson?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $24,211/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Mississippi?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Jackson details →

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