salaryJackson is the largest city in Mississippi that we track, with 146,631 residents. Rent is lower than in 70% 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 19.9 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $51,240 a year. That is $25 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Mississippi cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Mississippi. It is number 43 of 66 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Jackson?
Share of households by yearly income. 11.1% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Jackson
| Size | Jackson | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,206 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $903 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,065 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,219 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,383 | $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 11% below the U.S. average (index 89.0, 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 | $132,080 | 11.6% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,730 | 12.3% |
| Operations Manager | $114,190 | 13.5% |
| Lawyer | $104,460 | 14.7% |
| Physician Assistant | $101,830 | 15.1% |
| Civil Engineer | $100,170 | 15.3% |
| Software Developer | $96,990 | 15.8% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $86,280 | 17.8% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,630 | 18.6% |
| Accountant | $70,720 | 21.7% |
| Dental Hygienist | $67,270 | 22.9% |
| Market Research Analyst | $60,310 | 25.5% |
| Truck Driver | $58,100 | 26.5% |
| Plumber | $57,160 | 26.9% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $53,510 | 28.7% |
| Electrician | $52,310 | 29.4% |
| HVAC Technician | $52,060 | 29.5% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $50,240 | 30.6% |
| Carpenter | $49,330 | 31.2% |
| Police Officer | $49,160 | 31.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,850 | 40.6% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,910 | 41.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $36,020 | 42.7% |
| Firefighter | $34,970 | 44.0% |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,040 | 48.0% |
| Restaurant Cook | $29,260 | 52.5% |
| Retail Salesperson | $29,070 | 52.9% |
| Cashier | $28,000 | 54.9% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $21,440 | 71.7% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Jackson?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $506 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $111,700 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $11,170 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Jackson, MS?
Renting in Jackson costs a median of about $1,281 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Mississippi median is $1,187.
How much do I need to make to live in Jackson?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $51,240 a year, or $25 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Jackson cheap or expensive?
Jackson is rated Expensive: rent takes 33.9% of the typical household income of $45,374. It ranks 43rd cheapest of 66 Mississippi cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Jackson?
The median homeowner in Jackson pays $1,352 a year in property taxes, about 1.21% of the median home value.
Is Jackson more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 11% 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 $111,700, about 2.5 times the typical yearly household income.
146,631 people live in Jackson. Numbers are typical (middle) values.