Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Jackson is 28% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $53,947 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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