Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

New Orleans is 55% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,211/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 16%
$55,339/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 22%
$296,400 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 63%
$1,274/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 25%
376,035
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $12,101/year higher in New Orleans. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Jackson — common questions

Is New Orleans or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Jackson?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Jackson?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $12,101/year higher in New Orleans.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Mississippi?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

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