Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Jackson is 24% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $56,944 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $235,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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