Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Jackson is 10% more affordable than Cincinnati. A $75,000 salary in Cincinnati is equivalent to $67,582 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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