Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Jackson is 23% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $57,477 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $305,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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