Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Jackson is 13% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $65,426 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jackson has a housing index of 56 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Jackson costs $125,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Jackson versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jackson scores 95 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jackson (88) are lower than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Jackson is $36,528 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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