Houston, MS vs Shaw, MS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Shaw is 16.9% cheaper than Houston. With a cost index of 54 vs 63, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Shaw to Houston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Houston is $720/month compared to $518/month in Shaw — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shaw is more affordable at $84,200 median vs $121,300.

Median household income in Houston is $36,667 compared to $23,913 in Shaw (+53.3%). While Houston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Houston spend roughly 23.6% of their income on rent, less than the 26% in Shaw.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.6°F vs 64°F). Houston receives more rainfall at 57.7" per year compared to 49" in Shaw.