Cost of Living in Bay St. Louis, MS

With a cost of living index of 85, Bay St. Louis, MS is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 15% cheaper than the national average and 14% above the Mississippi state average of 71. Bay St. Louis is a smaller community of 9,971 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bay St. Louis's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,138 (14% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $231,900 (24% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bay St. Louis is $70,082, which is 7% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Bay St. Louis. The area sees an average annual temperature of 68.3°F, with summers averaging 82°F and winters around 54°F. Annual rainfall totals 62.8 inches spread over roughly 117 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.