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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Oakland is 236% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,917/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 47%
$97,369/yr ↑ 125%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 56%
$924,700 ↑ 755%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 88%
$2,164/mo ↑ 126%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 56%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $899/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $10,788/year.

Median household income is $54,131/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Jackson — common questions

Is Oakland or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Jackson?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $899/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Jackson?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $54,131/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Jackson details →

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