Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Seattle is 238% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,998/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 49%
$121,984/yr ↑ 182%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 65%
$912,100 ↑ 743%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 88%
$2,220/mo ↑ 132%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 57%
741,440
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $980/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $11,760/year.

Median household income is $78,746/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Mississippi's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Jackson — common questions

Is Seattle or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Jackson?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $980/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Jackson?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $78,746/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Mississippi?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Jackson details →

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