Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Jackson is 23% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $58,019 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Jackson costs $125,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Jackson versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jackson scores 95 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jackson (88) are lower than Tempe (95).
Median household income in Jackson is $36,528 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jackson.
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