Nashville vs Jackson

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Mississippi salaries

Living in Nashville vs Jackson

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Nashville has a housing index of 108 while Jackson sits at 56 (national average = 100). The median home in Nashville costs $380,000 compared to $125,000 in Jackson, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Nashville versus $900 in Jackson.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Nashville scores 96 while Jackson scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Nashville (98) are higher than Jackson (88).

Median household income in Nashville is $59,828 compared to $36,528 in Jackson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.

Relocating: Nashville vs Jackson

If you are considering a move between Nashville (index: 102) and Jackson (index: 82), the 20% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Jackson is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Nashville can afford $1,396/month, while the median household in Jackson can afford $852/month. With median homes at $380,000 in Nashville versus $125,000 in Jackson, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,600/month in Nashville and $900/month in Jackson, renters save significantly in Jackson. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Jackson where costs are 18% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Nashville (102) vs Jackson (82)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Nashville at 102 is 2% above the US average, while Jackson at 82 is 18% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,600/month in Nashville and $900/month in Jackson, the annual rent difference is approximately $8,400. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $42,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $255,000 difference in median home prices between Nashville and Jackson translates to roughly $15,300 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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