CostIndexUSA

Bakersfield, CA vs Jackson, MS Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Bakersfield
100.9
overall index
$1,750/mo rent
More AffordableMS
Jackson
89
overall index
$1,500/mo rent

Jackson is moderately cheaper than Bakersfield — 11.8% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Bakersfield, you would need $70,600 in Jackson. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing28.2%
Bakersfield
90.3
Jackson
64.8
🛒 Groceries8.6%
Bakersfield
105.2
Jackson
96.2
🚗 Transportation4.2%
Bakersfield
105.3
Jackson
100.9
🏥 Healthcare4.2%
Bakersfield
95.3
Jackson
91.3
Utilities50.7%
Bakersfield
158.3
Jackson
78.1

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Bakersfield to see what you'd need to earn in Jackson to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Jackson, MS
$70,600
$9,400 less needed in Jackson

Formula: salary × (89 ÷ 100.9) = salary × 0.8821. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Bakersfield, CA

Median Home Price
$358,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,750
Housing Index
90.3
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.0×

Jackson, MS

Median Home Price
$205,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500
Housing Index
64.8
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.4×

Bakersfield has 28.2% lower housing costs compared to Jackson.

Income & Job Market

Bakersfield, CA

Median Household Income
$68,900
Per Capita Income
$39,300
Unemployment Rate
8.4%
Population
384,145
Top Industries
AgricultureEnergyHealthcareLogisticsManufacturing

Jackson, MS

Median Household Income
$58,600
Per Capita Income
$33,400
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Population
153,701
Top Industries
GovernmentHealthcareRetailManufacturingEducation

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Bakersfield, CA
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

70% of income left after rent (median)

Jackson, MS
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

69% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.