Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Jackson is 25% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $55,909 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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