Cost of Living in Pearl, MS

With a cost of living index of 80, Pearl, MS is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 10% above the Mississippi state average of 71. With a population of 27,458, Pearl is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Pearl's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,152 (13% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $170,900 (44% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.1x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Pearl is $54,643, which is 27% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% 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 Pearl. The area sees an average annual temperature of 65.4°F, with summers averaging 81°F and winters around 49°F. Annual rainfall totals 57.3 inches spread over roughly 110 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Jackson, 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.