Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Raleigh is 90% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,468/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 31%
$82,424/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 48%
$377,800 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 71%
$1,487/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 36%
470,763
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $39,186/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Jackson — common questions

Is Raleigh or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Jackson?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Jackson?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $39,186/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Mississippi?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Jackson details →

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