Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Montgomery is 10% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,059/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 4%
$55,687/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 22%
$148,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 27%
$1,023/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 7%
198,440
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,449/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Jackson — common questions

Is Montgomery or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Jackson?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Jackson?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $12,449/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Mississippi?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Jackson details →

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