Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Jackson is 8% more affordable than Des Moines. A $75,000 salary in Des Moines is equivalent to $69,101 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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