For one person, living costs in Jackson, MS are estimated at $2,445 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $36 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Jackson, MS actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $2,445 per month with rent, or $1,082 for everyday expenses alone.
$2,445 /mo
A couple spends around $3,524 per month with rent, or $1,808 for everyday expenses alone.
$3,524 /mo
A family of three spends around $4,603 per month with rent, or $2,535 without housing.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$35.1K$35.1K
$22.6K$22.6K
$37.1K$37.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.6K$26.6K
$24.4K$24.4K
$32.9K$32.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$184$184
$130$130
$309$309
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$69.1$69.1
$29.50$29.50
$148$148
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$74.2$74.2
$50.6$50.6
$101$101
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$64.3$64.3
$39.54$39.54
$98.8$98.8
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.27$16.27
-
Cinema Ticket
$12.94$12.94
$10.45$10.45
$24.88$24.88
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$599$599
$599$599
$1,702$1,702
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$25.1K$25.1K
$15.2K$15.2K
$27.6K$27.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$47.45$47.45
$40.20$40.20
$70.4$70.4
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$22.91$22.91
$15.27$15.27
$38.69$38.69
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$83.2$83.2
$60.8$60.8
$96.2$96.2
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$117$117
$81.4$81.4
$224$224
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$955$955
$876$876
$1,094$1,094
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,179$1,179
$793$793
$1,525$1,525
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,258$2,258
$1,327$1,327
$2,971$2,971
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,885$1,885
$1,106$1,106
$3,032$3,032
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$1,568$1,568
$1,443$1,443
$1,637$1,637
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,571$1,571
$1,445$1,445
$1,639$1,639
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$2,764$2,764
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.18
6
7.58
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 11, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Jackson, MS$2,445
Jackson, MS$4,603
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.2K 48.2%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$327 13.4%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$322 13.2%
🍽Eating Out
$257 10.5%
🚌Getting Around
$148 6.1%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$122 5%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$90 3.7%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.9K 40.9%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$396 8.6%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$727 15.8%
🍽Eating Out
$824 17.9%
🚌Getting Around
$305 6.6%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$271 5.9%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$197 4.3%
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $955, dropping to $1,179 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 35% of the average salary ($2,764) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $2,764. With monthly costs around $2,445, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,667.
🛒Groceries cost around $322 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $60.0.
🚌A monthly public transport pass costs about $123.
Cost Highlights
⭐Imported beer is cheaper than 96% of cities in North America
⭐Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 94% of cities in North America
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Cost of Living in Jackson, MS - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jackson, MS compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Jackson offers a favorable balance for budget-conscious travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Housing tends to be more affordable than many coastal or large metropolitan areas, with options ranging from compact apartments to older homes that can be rented at reasonable rates. Food and daily services are accessible, with a mix of home-style markets and diverse dining options that don't push costs up quickly. Seasonal activity and a smaller city footprint mean shorter commutes and easier navigation, helping you stretch time and money. For many, the Cost of Living in Jackson, MS, United States shows up as solid value rather than luxury. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods with easy access to amenities, coworking spaces, and transit to match your working style.
What does day-to-day life look like in Jackson, including housing search, food options, transport, co-working spaces, and errands?
Daily life in Jackson centers on practicality and community. Housing search spans downtown lofts, historic Belhaven and Fondren cottages, and quieter single-family options within reach of work or study sites. Food choices range from farmers markets and affordable diners to neighborhood grocery stores with fresh produce. Transport leans car-friendly, but buses and bike routes connect key districts, and ride-sharing remains convenient for peak hours. Co-working spaces and cafés offer reliable wifi and social balance for remote work. Errands are straightforward in compact commercial corridors, with friendly neighborhood shops and essential services close by. Jackson, MS, United States living cost is shaped by local utilities and transit dynamics that you can tune with your schedule. Tip: Look for flexible day passes at coworking spots to save on rent.
What budgeting and lifestyle choices help maximize quality of life in Jackson, considering neighborhood fit and seasonality?
Quality of life in Jackson hinges on smart budgeting, neighborhood fit, and season-aware planning. Start with a housing plan that prioritizes stable month-to-month rents or leases in Belhaven, Fondren, or downtown near work hubs, then allocate a slice for utilities, especially during hot summers. Embrace seasonal shopping: savor locally grown produce in peak seasons, and balance dining out with cook-at-home nights. Explore public transit or bike-friendly routes to reduce car costs, and look for coworking spaces with day passes for flexibility. Neighborhood feel matters – look for safety, walkability, and access to parks or music venues that suit your pace. Tip: Build a simple monthly checklist to track what actually saves you money.
Is Jackson, MS worth the cost of living?
Jackson, MS is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $2,445. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
Is Jackson, MS expensive to live in?
Jackson, MS sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $2,445, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Jackson, MS?
You'll want at least $3,667 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Jackson, MS. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Jackson, MS?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Jackson, MS runs about $955 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,179. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Jackson, MS?
Grocery spending in Jackson, MS lands around $322 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Jackson, MS?
Getting around Jackson, MS by public transport costs about $123 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Jackson, MS?
$2,000 is below the $2,445 average in Jackson, MS, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Jackson, MS good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Jackson, MS for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, family-friendly facilities. Monthly costs land around $2,445 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
Jackson, MS vs other spots: cost of living compared