Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Newark is 72% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,330/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 23%
$48,416/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 11%
$337,800 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 68%
$1,419/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 33%
307,188
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $5,178/year higher in Newark. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Jackson — common questions

Is Newark or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Jackson?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Jackson?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $5,178/year higher in Newark.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Mississippi?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Jackson details →

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