Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Lexington is 41% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,101/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 8%
$67,631/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 36%
$272,100 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 60%
$1,160/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 18%
321,122
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $24,393/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Jackson — common questions

Is Lexington or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Jackson?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Jackson?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $24,393/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Mississippi?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Jackson details →

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