A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
19%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Jackson Tennessee National
Cost of living9392100
Groceries9998100
Health care9797100
Housing8180100
Transportation9497100
Utilities9698100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9697100
Household Items10198100
Education & Childcare10197100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jackson, TN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Jackson? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Jackson stands at 93, making it 7% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Jackson are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Jackson can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Jackson?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 13 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Jackson. The results indicated that 62% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 38% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Jackson Affordable?

Is Jackson an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Jackson is 22.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 9.8% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Jackson has a median household income of $64,192, which is 21.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jackson?

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Jackson starts at 7% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Jackson comes in at 3.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Jackson cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jackson is equal to the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Jackson is 7% lower than the national average
  • Jackson housing is 19% lower than the national average
  • Tennessee general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Tennessee state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Jackson

See all the best places to live around Jackson

Compare Jackson, TN Cost of Living

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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$92,013$7,668$2,147$2,761
      Renters$38,619$3,218$901$1,159
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Jackson, TN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Jackson have a median income of $92,013. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,147 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $38,619, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $901.

      Tennessee Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Tennessee 7% 9.75%

      Tennessee Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Tennessee 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Humboldt, TN8,4318415.5%
      Henderson, TN6,4988614.0%
      Gadsden, TN5028613.9%
      Medon, TN2698812.0%
      Three Way, TN1,677973.0%
      Jackson, TN69,498937.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Grande Prairie, AB69,512n/a 
      Granby, QC69,530n/a 
      Victoria, TX69,412955.5%
      Oshkosh, WI69,404927.9%
      Lehi, UT69,36612828.1%
      Jackson, TN69,498937.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.