Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Phoenix is 88% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,458/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 30%
$77,041/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 44%
$381,900 ↑ 253%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 72%
$1,430/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 33%
1,624,832
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $33,803/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Jackson — common questions

Is Phoenix or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Jackson?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Jackson?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $33,803/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Mississippi?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Jackson

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville