Cost of Living in Mississippi [2025]

Mississippi is an excellent state with lots to offer, including the much loved and appreciated southern hospitality. In addition, you’ll find a relatively low cost of living in Mississippi, especially for those seeking out higher education in the state.

Mississippi is an overall happy state, offering residents a very rural lifestyle. In fact, Mississippi ranks as the fourth-most rural state in the US, with a population density well below the national average per square mile. With so much rural land, it’s not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor adventures to enjoy in this state which has 2 million acres of public forest.

Thankfully, it’s easy to find somewhere to live within your budget by taking a closer look at the cost of living in Mississippi. We have good news! We’ve already done all the research to help make your decision easier.

Start by checking out this apartment guide, then keep scrolling for all the details on building your new budget in Mississippi.

Cost of Living in Mississippi

What Is the Cost of Living in Mississippi?

The cost of living in Mississipppi fell to 21.3% lower than the national average, making Mississippi the cheapest state in the country to live in. Everything except healthcare is lower in Mississippi than the national average. The cost of living in Mississippi is also dependent on where you rent and your overall lifestyle.

Where Is Cost of Living Highest in Mississippi?

Madison is among the most expensive cities in Mississippi, where the cost of living is 18.4% higher compared to the state average. The area is still affordable at 6.8% lower than the U.S. average. Groceries, healthcare, and housing are all higher in Madison than the rest of the United States average.

Where Is Cost of Living Lowest in Mississippi?

Greenwood is one of the cheapest areas to live in Mississippi with a cost of living that's 16.3% lower compared to the state average and 34.1% lower than the national average. Only healthcare is more expensive than the national average in Greenwood.

How Much Is Rent in Mississippi?

Your rent in Mississippi will depend on what are you decide to rent an apartment, the amenities, and the seasonality. For example, it's usually cheaper to rent an apartment during the winter. One of the biggest cities in Mississippi, Jackson, boasts starting rents of $600 a month. In Hattiesburg, you'll spend at least $750 on your starting rent. Gulfport, rents also start at $750 a month. The starting rents in Tupelo are $1,000 a month.

Though Mississippi’s rent prices are relatively affordable, you can still save considerably by renting with a roommate. For example, if you rent in Jackson and split the two-bedroom apartment costs, you can spend approximately $484.50 per month or $5,814 over a 12-month lease!

Mississippi has rental properties in all forms, from luxury high-rise apartments in the city to single-family homes in rural areas. There’s something to fit every renter’s taste in Mississippi.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Mississippi?

We can look at the starting rent in Mississippi to calculate the salary you need to live in the state. Using a budgeting rule that states rent should account for no more than 30% of your total expenses. If you rent an apartment in Gulfport, MS at $750 a month, you would need to earn $2,500 a month, about $14,42 an hour, or $30,000 a year to live comfortably.

It's also important to consider the living wage in Mississippi. This is the basic amount you need to live comfortably and pay for housing, healthcare, housing, food, and more in Mississippi. According to the MIT living wage data, the living wage in Mississippi is $19.89 an hour. That figure doesn't consider student loan debts, splurges, or savings for an emergency fund or retirement.

We also looked over the data from the U.S. Census Bureau. According to their latest data, the median household income in Mississippi is $52,985 a year, which is about $25.47. Although that's far below the U.S. median household income of $75,149 (or about $39.06 an hour), it's much higher than what you need using the 30% rule or when considering the living wage in Mississippi.

How Much is Transportation in Mississippi?

Getting around in Mississippi can be costly, with average annual transportation costs of $$10,844 for a single individual, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. A family of four living in Mississippi with two working adults and two children can anticipate paying around $18,190 in transportation costs on an annual basis. Unfortunately, transportation costs in Mississippi are among the few expenses that is higher than many other states.

Even for such a rural state, public transportation is very reliable in Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) covers different public transit systems in each part of the state, including over 60 providers. The regional group public transit options in the state include:

• Delta Rides
• Trans-Con
• Smart
• Ride the Smile
• EZ Tag
• Southern Connect

How Much Are Grocceries Mississippi?

The average single Mississippi resident spends around $3,973 annually on food, or roughly $331.09 per month. For a family of four with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $11,676 annually, approximately $973 per month.

These figures are associated with food picked up at the local Rouses, Whole Foods Market, or the Fresh Market and entirely prepared in the home. It’s also a good idea to budget for additional food costs if you are anything short of a mastermind in the kitchen.

With so many delicious restaurants and iconic Mississippi foods, it’s hard to resist a few meals outside of your kitchen. Don’t forget to account for eating out in your budget so you can try out the famous catfish and cornbread, collard greens, biscuits and gravy, fried okra, and fried chicken.

To get a better idea of how to budget, here’s a look at some of the average costs for a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant across Mississippi:

• Jackson: $60/meal
• Oxford: $45/meal
• Biloxi: $60/meal
• Southaven: $55.00/meal
• Hattiesburg: $50.50/meal

How Much is Healthcare in Mississippi?

A single adult without children will pay around $2,763 for medical care in a single year, while a family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $9,912 per year.

Before moving, check out the federal healthcare marketplace to see what coverage is available in your new state. You can report your move to ensure you qualify for out-of-state coverage if your move happens any other time of the year outside of enrollment periods, which typically fall in November.

Even if you’re moving out of state, you still might be able to stay on your parent’s policy if you’re under 26. Check with your current provider to see which doctors fall in the network in your new location to be sure.

How Much Are Utilities in Mississippi?

With the national average cost of utilities at $253.14 monthly, Mississippi's average of $252.89 per month comes in just under the rest of the country. Only the popular city of Jackson is slightly above the national average at $255.33.

Depending on where in the state you plan to move to, your average utility bills can vary dramatically. Learn more about estimatating utility costs by city!

Remember that these average costs do not include other expenses, such as the internet. The average monthly cost of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities is:

• Jackson: $78.50/month
• Biloxi: $67.83/month
• Southaven: $46/month
• Hattiesburg: $75.78/month

You’ll also want to consider your cell phone bill. According to the national average, your monthly cell phone bill will cost you around $94 per month.

You might be able to bundle your cell phone with your internet provider to help save on some of your monthly costs. Don’t be afraid to ask your provider about these discounts and more, including specials for new customers.

Mississippi Fitness and Entertainment

There is no shortage of fitness and entertainment opportunities in Mississippi, which is why it’s important to understand the costs associated with them.

Mississippi is a southern state that mostly experiences warm and humid weather year-round. However, winters in Mississippi are short and mild, while summers bring long, hot and humid weather. The humidity of the summer months can make outdoor exercise challenging to maintain year-round. To maintain your fitness, you might want to consider a gym membership.

Depending on where you live, a monthly fitness club membership in Mississippi fluctuates between $30 and $65 a month.

Mississippi has several outdoor activities that can help you save on costs when weather permits, including biking coastal greenways, sailing charters, and kayaking waterways. But remember that you’ll have to adjust your wardrobe accordingly if you plan to be outdoors year-round, which will also come at an additional cost.

Mississippi National and State Parks

Mississippi is home to nine national parks, with the most popular being:

• Gulf Island National Seashore
• Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
• Tupelo National Battlefield
• Vicksburg National Military Park
• Natchez National Historical Park

In addition to national parks, Mississippi also has 24 state parks scattered throughout and one natural area.

Mississippi Museums

If you’re looking for great family-fun entertainment that is available all year round, you’ll also want to check out some of the countless museums in Mississippi. Some of the state’s most famous museums include:

• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
• Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
• Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
• Mississippi Children's Museum
• The Delta Blues Museum

Other Expenses to Consider in Mississippi

Mississippi has had a progressive state income tax. However, thankfully it is still below the national average. Unfortunately, the state sales tax helps make up for this by being just slightly above the national average at 7.00%. For those looking to buy in Mississippi, you’ll be happy to hear that the property taxes are the lowest in the country.

When moving from out of state to Mississippi, you’ll also want to keep in mind additional expenses like movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Once you arrive in Mississippi, you’ll also need to think about other optional add-on costs that you may incur, including additional fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits.

Lastly, renters often overlook the costs associated with furnishing their homes. Since you’ll want to do some decorating to make it feel like a home, you’ll have to account for this spending in your budget. Check out a few tips on how to decorate your apartment on a budget to help you avoid overspending in this area of your move.

Find Your Next Apartment in Mississippi

If you want to move to an incredible state with a low cost of living and a high sense of southern hospitality, Mississippi might be the state for you. Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in Mississippi!

Take our easy quiz to get matched with an apartment that has your ideal amenities in your price point and chosen location!

FAQs: Cost of Living in Mississippi 2025

How expensive is an apartment in Mississippi?

Madison is among the most expensive places to live in Mississippi. Starting rents in Madison run $1,700 a month. In Jackson, you'll spend at least $600 a month on rent. If you live in Hattiesburg, you'll spend at least $750 on rent. Rents in Biloxi start at $750 a month.

What is the cheapest rent in Mississippi?

Jackson is among the cheaper big cities in Mississippi with rents starting at $600 a month.

How expensive is it to live in Mississippi?

Living in Mississippi is relatively affordable. In Jackson, Mississippi, you can rent an apartment as low as $600 a month. Transportation costs in Mississippi amount to $10,844 a year. Food costs $3,973 a year on average for a single resident of Mississippi.

How far is Mississippi from Georgia?

Mississippi is 487 miles away from Georgia. It takes 7 hours and 13 minutes to get to Georgia from Mississippi by car, 34 hours by bike, and 136 hours by foot.

How far is Mississippi from Texas?

Mississippi is 673 miles away from Texas. It takes 9 hours and 45 minutes to get to Texas from Mississippi by car, 59 hours by bike, and 284 hours by foot.

What is the population of Mississippi?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Mississippi is 2,939,690. It is the 32nd-largest and 35th most populated state in the country.

What is a good salary in Mississippi?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Mississippi is $52,985. However, it's recommended not to spend more than 30% of your income on rent. If you rent a one bedroom apartment in Jackson for $600, you should earn at least $24,000 per year, $2,000 per month, or around $14 an hour. Keep in mind that MIT's basic living wage data in Mississippi is $19.89 which is the minimum you need to earn to pay for housing, food, transportation, and basic expenses.