Cost of Living in Jackson, TN
Population 68,098 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Jackson's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $51,552 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Jackson is about 75 miles northeast of Memphis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jackson
The median home value in Jackson is $195,000 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,094/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,552/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 71.0°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Jackson has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49 | 53 | 62 | 72 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 90 | 84 | 73 | 61 | 51 |
| Low °F | 29 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 32 |
| Precip" | 4.07 | 4.40 | 5.55 | 5.12 | 5.58 | 4.76 | 4.37 | 3.53 | 3.58 | 3.63 | 4.33 | 5.01 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jackson, TN?
Jackson has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jackson, TN?
The median gross rent in Jackson is $1,094 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jackson?
The median home value in Jackson is $195,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jackson?
The median household income in Jackson is $51,552 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jackson, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jackson is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Jackson, TN affordable?
Yes, Jackson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Jackson?
Jackson has average high temperatures of 71.0°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 53.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Jackson at a Glance
- Population
- 68,098
- Median Income
- $51,552
- Home Value
- $195,000
- Median Rent
- $1,094/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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