Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Mesa is 84% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,478/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 31%
$78,779/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 45%
$364,300 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 70%
$1,404/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 32%
507,478
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $35,541/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Jackson — common questions

Is Mesa or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Jackson?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Jackson?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $35,541/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Mississippi?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Jackson details →

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