Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Jackson is 6% more affordable than Cleveland. A $75,000 salary in Cleveland is equivalent to $70,690 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. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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