salaryRent is lower than in 89% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards. Commutes are short, about 17 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $39,120 a year. That is $19 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Michigan cities?
Yes. Rent here is cheaper than in most of Michigan. It is number 32 of 179 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Jackson?
Share of households by yearly income. 8.8% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Jackson
| Size | Jackson | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $628 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $791 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,030 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,218 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,338 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Jackson overall?
Everyday prices in the Jackson metro area are 8% below the U.S. average (index 91.8, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Jackson
Life in Jackson
What jobs pay in Jackson
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $134,080 | 8.8% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,640 | 9.0% |
| Software Developer | $130,220 | 9.0% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,460 | 9.1% |
| Civil Engineer | $107,320 | 10.9% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,100 | 11.7% |
| Operations Manager | $91,950 | 12.8% |
| Plumber | $81,930 | 14.3% |
| Accountant | $81,470 | 14.4% |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,990 | 14.9% |
| Market Research Analyst | $65,510 | 17.9% |
| Police Officer | $65,160 | 18.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,290 | 18.3% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,770 | 18.4% |
| Electrician | $63,540 | 18.5% |
| HVAC Technician | $61,220 | 19.2% |
| Carpenter | $56,160 | 20.9% |
| Truck Driver | $56,080 | 20.9% |
| Firefighter | $47,690 | 24.6% |
| Customer Service Representative | $42,230 | 27.8% |
| Medical Assistant | $40,230 | 29.2% |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,080 | 29.3% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,920 | 29.4% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,680 | 32.0% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,620 | 32.0% |
| Retail Salesperson | $34,770 | 33.8% |
| Cashier | $29,370 | 40.0% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Jackson?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $262 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $103,200 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $10,320 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Jackson, MI?
Renting in Jackson costs a median of about $978 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Michigan median is $1,314.
How much do I need to make to live in Jackson?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $39,120 a year, or $19 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Jackson cheap or expensive?
Jackson is rated OK: rent takes 24.4% of the typical household income of $48,056. It ranks 32nd cheapest of 179 Michigan cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Jackson?
The median homeowner in Jackson pays $1,753 a year in property taxes, about 1.70% of the median home value.
Is Jackson more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 8% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Jackson?
The median home value in Jackson is $103,200, about 2.1 times the typical yearly household income.
31,058 people live in Jackson. Numbers are typical (middle) values.