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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

San Diego is 240% more expensive than Jackson.

$2,223/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 54%
$104,321/yr ↑ 141%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 59%
$848,500 ↑ 684%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 87%
$2,308/mo ↑ 141%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 59%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,205/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $14,460/year.

Median household income is $61,083/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Jackson — common questions

Is San Diego or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Jackson?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $1,205/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Jackson?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $61,083/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Jackson details →

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