Mendenhall, MS vs West Hattiesburg, MS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Mendenhall is 16.2% cheaper than West Hattiesburg. With a cost index of 66 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Mendenhall to West Hattiesburg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Mendenhall is $872/month compared to $1,014/month in West Hattiesburg — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mendenhall is more affordable at $102,800 median vs $209,100.

Median household income in Mendenhall is $39,911 compared to $38,269 in West Hattiesburg (+4.3%). Mendenhall offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Mendenhall spend roughly 26.2% of their income on rent, less than the 31.8% in West Hattiesburg. The Mendenhall ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65.4°F vs 66.5°F). West Hattiesburg receives more rainfall at 58.9" per year compared to 57.3" in Mendenhall.