Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Jackson, MS?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 8.9% more expensive than Jackson, MS. This translates to spending an extra $666 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Jackson, MS?

If you earn $150,000 in Jackson, MS, you'd need approximately $157,995.8 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jackson, MS and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 25.6% more expensive than in Jackson, MS. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,250/month in Jackson, MS.

How much can I save per month by moving from Jackson, MS to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $666 more per month than Jackson, MS, or $7996 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jackson, MS vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Jackson, MS — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baton Rouge, LA area

Current salary in Jackson, MS

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $666/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.0K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 8.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$666

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Jackson, MS

Population:144K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$94K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$414K

Jackson, MS

The Magnolia State

144K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Mississippi, this city has a population of 144K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Jackson, MS vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Jackson, MS	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,219/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $569more	25.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,295/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $194more	15.0%
📦Other	$1,831/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $153less	8.4%
🏥Healthcare	$481/mo	$589/mo	↑ $108more	22.5%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$561/mo	↑ $64.86more	13.1%
🛒Groceries	$989/mo	$963/mo	↓ $25.92less	2.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 25.6%

Jackson, MS

$2,219

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$569

🚗Transportation

↑ 15.0%

Jackson, MS

$1,295

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$194

📦Other

↓ 8.4%

Jackson, MS

$1,831

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$153

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 22.5%

Jackson, MS

$481

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$108

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.1%

Jackson, MS

$496

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$64.86

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.6%

Jackson, MS

$989

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$25.92

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,057

To$1,390

↑ $333

1 Bed

From$1,062

To$1,510

↑ $448

2 Bed

From$1,250

To$1,750

↑ $500

3 Bed

From$1,500

To$2,330

↑ $830

Jackson, MSZIP-level data

1BR range: $760–$1,340/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,311

Monthly in Jackson, MS

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$757

Difference

Home Values

Jackson

Phoenix

$94K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +10.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$42K - $217K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 342% more expensive than Jackson

Calculate payment - Jackson Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$176

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Jackson, MS

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Mississippi State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,803/month

$105.6K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Jackson, MS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.6%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.