Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Salt Lake City is 102% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,343/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 24%
$74,925/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 42%
$495,700 ↑ 358%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 78%
$1,394/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 31%
203,888
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $31,687/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Jackson — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Jackson?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Jackson?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $31,687/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Mississippi?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Jackson details →

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