Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Modesto is 107% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,609/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 37%
$77,899/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 44%
$415,600 ↑ 284%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 74%
$1,613/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 41%
218,614
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $34,661/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Jackson — common questions

Is Modesto or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Jackson?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Jackson?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $34,661/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Mississippi?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

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