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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Riverside is 148% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,812/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 44%
$88,575/yr ↑ 105%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 51%
$542,100 ↑ 401%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 80%
$1,880/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 49%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $45,337/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Jackson — common questions

Is Riverside or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Jackson?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Jackson?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $45,337/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Jackson details →

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