Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Jackson, MS (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

St. Paul is 57% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,248/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 18%
$73,055/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 41%
$280,300 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 61%
$1,390/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 31%
307,762
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $29,817/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Jackson — common questions

Is St. Paul or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Jackson?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Jackson?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $29,817/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Mississippi?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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. Paul details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

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