Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Jackson is 4% more affordable than El Paso. A $75,000 salary in El Paso is equivalent to $72,353 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: El Paso scores 95 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
Amazon affiliate links