Cost of Living in Jackson, MS

Cost of Living in Jackson, MS: A Detailed Overview

With a median household income of $38,200, residents of Jackson, MS earn $36,380 less than the national median of $74,580. What makes that figure meaningful is the local cost context: Jackson's cost of living index sits at 80.5, placing it significantly below the national baseline of 100. In practical terms, everyday expenses here run about 19.5 percent less than the U.S. average. The city is a moderately sized city of roughly 153,701 people, situated in the Southern United States. Even though raw incomes are modest, the lower cost base boosts effective purchasing power, meaning residents can afford more than the headline salary might suggest.

Housing Costs in Jackson

For renters, Jackson's housing market centers on a median monthly rent of $750, which lands $622 below the national median of $1,372. One-bedroom apartments typically run $650 per month, while two-bedroom units average $850. Those rates make the rental market here considerably friendlier than what tenants face in most American cities, freeing up income for savings and lifestyle spending. Shelter costs account for roughly 26 percent of the average household's total spending, confirming housing's role as the dominant budget line item. The rent-to-income ratio in Jackson stands at 23.6 percent — comfortably within the 30 percent ceiling that financial advisors recommend, leaving meaningful room for other financial priorities.

Monthly Expenses and Budget Breakdown

The total estimated monthly cost of living in Jackson comes to approximately $2,835, compared to a national average of roughly $4,357. That total spans housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, entertainment, childcare, and local taxes. The biggest slice goes to housing at $750 per month, followed by childcare at $700. Groceries for a typical household run $300 monthly — below the national average, a small but consistent savings that adds up over the course of a year. Utility bills, covering electricity, gas, water, and internet, average $140, while transportation — fuel, insurance, maintenance, and any transit fares — runs $100. Healthcare costs average $380 per month, at or below the national figure of $450, offering some financial relief for residents with ongoing medical needs. Rounding out the budget, entertainment and dining average $95, and childcare averages $700 for families who need it.

How Jackson Compares to the National Average

For anyone weighing a move to Jackson, the cost of living index of 80.5 is the critical data point. It means total monthly expenses of approximately $2,835, while the national equivalent is about $4,357. Those savings of roughly $1,522 per month — about $18,264 annually — represent real money that can be redirected toward financial goals. Over a five-year period, the cumulative advantage can fund a down payment, accelerate retirement saving, or eliminate consumer debt entirely.

Jackson for Different Lifestyles

Retirees: Jackson earns its reputation as a retirement-friendly destination. While the tax picture in Mississippi requires some planning, the overall cost structure and local amenities create a solid foundation for a comfortable retirement. Monthly healthcare costs of $380 and housing at 26 percent of the budget let retirees plan with confidence.

Families: In Jackson, childcare averages $700 per month — below the national average, easing the financial load for dual-income households with young children. A family earning the local median of $38,200 can cover essentials and still direct funds toward savings and enrichment activities.

Young professionals and singles: A one-bedroom rent of $650 is the key figure for solo earners. Below the national one-bedroom median of $1,190, this gives singles financial flexibility for saving, investing, or enjoying the local social scene. Entertainment spending averages $95 per month, covering dining, fitness, and cultural activities.

Is Jackson, MS Right for You?

Ready to evaluate Jackson for your next move? Start with the numbers: a cost of living index of 80.5, median rent of $750, a median home price of $130,000, and monthly expenses totaling roughly $2,835. Next, run those figures through our comparison calculator alongside your current city or any other candidate. Then zero in on the categories that matter most to your household — healthcare for retirees, entertainment for social life, transportation for commuters — and compare those line items directly. Finally, visit in person to confirm that the data matches the lived experience. Numbers lay the groundwork, but the strongest decisions layer in firsthand observation and honest self-assessment.