Cost of Living in Starkville, MS

With a cost of living index of 80, Starkville, MS is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 9% above the Mississippi state average of 71. With a population of 25,611, Starkville 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 Starkville's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $875 (34% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $265,900 (13% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.7x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Starkville is $39,751, which is 47% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. 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 Starkville. The area sees an average annual temperature of 63.6°F, with summers averaging 81°F and winters around 46°F. Annual rainfall totals 57.7 inches spread over roughly 115 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

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.