Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Jackson is 17% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $62,121 in Jackson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Mississippi salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jackson has a housing index of 56 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Jackson costs $125,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Jackson versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jackson scores 95 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jackson (88) are lower than Mesa (95).
Median household income in Jackson is $36,528 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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