Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Jackson is 11% more affordable than Indianapolis. A $75,000 salary in Indianapolis is equivalent to $66,848 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Indiana salaries · Mississippi salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Indianapolis has a housing index of 80 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Indianapolis costs $220,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $95,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Indianapolis versus $900 in Jackson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Indianapolis scores 98 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Indianapolis (96) are higher than Jackson (88).
Median household income in Indianapolis is $49,968 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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