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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Santa Rosa is 197% more expensive than Jackson.

$2,084/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 51%
$97,410/yr ↑ 125%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 56%
$685,000 ↑ 533%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 84%
$2,130/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 55%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,066/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $12,792/year.

Median household income is $54,172/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Jackson — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Jackson?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $1,066/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Jackson?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $54,172/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

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