Union, MS vs West Hattiesburg, MS

The cost of living difference between Union, MS and West Hattiesburg, MS is dramatic. Union is 31.6% cheaper than West Hattiesburg, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Union has a cost index of 54 while West Hattiesburg sits at 79, 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 Union is $464/month compared to $1,014/month in West Hattiesburg — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union is more affordable at $105,600 median vs $209,100.

Median household income in Union is $42,791 compared to $38,269 in West Hattiesburg (+11.8%). Union offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Union spend roughly 13% of their income on rent, less than the 31.8% in West Hattiesburg. The Union ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, West Hattiesburg is notably warmer with an average of 66.5°F compared to 63.2°F in Union. West Hattiesburg receives more rainfall at 58.9" per year compared to 58.2" in Union.