Laurel, MS vs Meridian, MS

Laurel, MS and Meridian, MS have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0% difference in their overall index. Laurel scores 66 while Meridian scores 66 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Laurel is $839/month compared to $865/month in Meridian — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Laurel has cheaper rent, Meridian actually has lower median home values ($100,800 vs $110,200).

Median household income in Laurel is $37,781 compared to $34,657 in Meridian (+9%). Laurel offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Laurel spend roughly 26.6% of their income on rent, less than the 30% in Meridian.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.5°F vs 65.9°F). Laurel receives more rainfall at 58.9" per year compared to 57" in Meridian.