Florence, MS vs Shelby, MS

The cost of living difference between Florence, MS and Shelby, MS is dramatic. Shelby is 40.5% cheaper than Florence, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Florence has a cost index of 80 while Shelby sits at 57, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Florence is $1,037/month compared to $613/month in Shelby — a 69% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shelby is more affordable at $82,400 median vs $207,400.

Median household income in Florence is $86,406 compared to $27,728 in Shelby (+211.6%). While Florence is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Florence spend roughly 14.4% of their income on rent, less than the 26.5% in Shelby.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65.4°F vs 64°F). Florence receives more rainfall at 57.3" per year compared to 49" in Shelby.