Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Pittsburgh is 31% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,221/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 17%
$64,137/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 33%
$193,200 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 44%
$1,136/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 16%
303,620
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $20,899/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Jackson — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Jackson?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Jackson?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $20,899/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Mississippi?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Jackson details →

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