Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Jackson, MS (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

St. Louis is 14% more expensive than Jackson.

$978/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↑ 4%
$55,279/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 22%
$185,100 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 42%
$1,013/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 6%
293,109
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,041/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Jackson — common questions

Is St. Louis or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Jackson?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Jackson?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $12,041/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Mississippi?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

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