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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Santa Ana is 181% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,975/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 48%
$88,354/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 51%
$657,800 ↑ 508%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 84%
$1,965/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 51%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $45,116/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Jackson — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Jackson?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Jackson?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $45,116/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

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