Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Jackson is 12% more affordable than Columbus. A $75,000 salary in Columbus is equivalent to $66,129 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. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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