Cost of Living in Mississippi [2024]

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.

Guide to Mississippi Cost of Living

What is the Cost of Living in Mississippi?

Mississippi scores an 88.98 in the average cost of living index, making it 11.02% below the national average. But for a more tangible measurement, we can consider the living wage calculation from MIT, which tells us approximately how much a person needs to make per hour in order to afford basic expenses. In Mississippi, a single person with no children would need $15.42 to live, while two parents with two children would each need to earn $36.28 per hour.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Mississippi?

We can use the average rent in Mississippi, which is $1,102, 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, the average person would need a monthly income of approximately $3,690, or $44,280 a year, to live in Mississippi.

Luckily, though, the average salary index in Mississippi is in the higher range across the country at $57,000 per year, roughly $15.86 an hour.

How Much is Rent in Mississippi?

The average cost of rent across Mississippi for a bedroom of any size is $1,107 according to our rent estimate database. That being said, price can vary widely by bedroom type and location. For a more detailed breakdown, here is a list of average rent prices in the five of the most popular cities to live in Mississippi, including Jackson, Oxford, Biloxi, Southaven, and Hattiesburg.

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.

How Much is Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Mississippi?

In Mississippi as of November 2023, rent for a 1-Bedroom apartment costs $863 on average.

How Much is Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Mississippi?

A 2-Bedroom apartment in Mississippi will cost you an average of $1,049 per month.

Finding the Best Mississippi Apartment for You

If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12 month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.

How Much is Transportation in Mississippi?

Getting around in Mississippi can be costly, with average annual transportation costs of $5,477 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 $14,484 in transportation costs on an annual basis.

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

However, if you prefer not to rely on public transit and wish to get around using your own vehicle, you can get a better idea of the costs associated with having your vehicle by looking at the average gas prices in the major cities in Mississippi:

• Jackson: $2.73/gallon
• Oxford: $5.09/gallon
• Biloxi: $2.86/gallon
• Southaven: $3.20/gallon
• Hattiesburg: $2.88/gallon

Considering the national average is currently $3.30 per gallon of regular gas, Mississippi’s gasoline costs are exceptionally low, especially in Jackson.

How Much are Food Costs in Mississippi?

The average single Mississippi resident spends around $3,926 annually on food, roughly $327.17 per month. For a family of four with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $11,564 annually, approximately $963.66 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 $3,150 for medical care in a single year, while a family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $9,319, not including child care. Child care for two can add on an average of $7,200 per year, per child.

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.

Fitness

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.

Thankfully, the average cost of a monthly fitness club membership in Mississippi’s is around $30 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.

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.

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 2023

How expensive is an apartment in Mississippi?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson, Mississippi, costs $1,185. A 2 bedroom apartment in Jackson costs $1,408. In Hattiesburg, a one bedroom apartment starts at $675 and a two bedroom at $775. In Oxford, a one bedroom apartment costs $1,022 and a two bedroom $1,200. A one bedroom apartment in Biloxi starts at $700 and a two bedroom starts at $900. A one bedroom in Southaven starts at $588 and a two bedroom $825.

What is the cheapest rent in Mississippi?

A one-bedroom apartment in Southaven, Mississippi is the cheapest rent you can get and starts at $588.

How expensive is it to live in Mississippi?

Living in Mississippi is relatively affordable. In Jackson, Mississippi, rent averages $784 for a one bedroom apartment. Transportation costs in Mississippi amount to $5,477 a year. Food costs $3,926 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 2,940,057. 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 $49,111. 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 $784, you should spend no more than $31,360 per year or $2,613.33 per month.