Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Portland is 138% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,596/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 36%
$88,792/yr ↑ 105%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 51%
$557,600 ↑ 415%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 81%
$1,771/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 46%
642,715
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $45,554/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Jackson — common questions

Is Portland or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Jackson?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Jackson?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $45,554/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Mississippi?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Jackson

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville