Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Jackson is 8% more affordable than Detroit. A $75,000 salary in Detroit 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: Michigan salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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