Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Jackson is 23% more affordable than Boise. A $75,000 salary in Boise is equivalent to $58,019 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $295,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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