Cost of Living in Mississippi

Mississippi has a cost of living index of 71, making it 29% less expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $49,929 (34% below the US median of $75,149). Across 351 cities tracked in Mississippi, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Mississippi cities is $815/mo (38% below the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $126,795 (58% below the national figure of $304,900). There is a 54-point spread between the most affordable city, Louisville (index 59), and the most expensive, Madison (index 113) — a large gap that shows significant regional cost differences.

When evaluating Mississippi, it helps to look beyond the state average. Individual city costs can deviate significantly — use the map and rankings below to compare specific locations.

The largest cities in Mississippi by population are Jackson (index 71, pop. 149,827), Gulfport (index 76, pop. 72,533), Southaven (index 91, pop. 55,531), Biloxi (index 80, pop. 49,011), and Hattiesburg (index 74, pop. 48,507). All of these major cities are above the state average, a pattern common in states where metro areas drive up costs relative to rural communities.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.