Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Madison is 78% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,364/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 25%
$76,983/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 44%
$346,900 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 69%
$1,476/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 35%
275,568
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $346/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $4,152/year.

Median household income is $33,745/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Jackson — common questions

Is Madison or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Jackson?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $346/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Jackson?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $33,745/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Mississippi?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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.
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