Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Worcester is 79% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,415/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 28%
$67,544/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 36%
$339,500 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 68%
$1,521/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 37%
205,501
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $397/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $4,764/year.

Median household income is $24,306/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Jackson — common questions

Is Worcester or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Jackson?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $397/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Jackson?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $24,306/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Mississippi?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Jackson details →

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