Mississippi Cost of Living 2026
The cost of living in Mississippi (MS) has an overall index of 84.8 (100 = national average), making it significantly more affordable than the national average. Use the calculator below to compare Mississippi to any other state and see how far your dollar goes.
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Mississippi Cost of Living Breakdown
Here is how Mississippi compares to the national average across major spending categories. An index above 100 means the category is more expensive than average, while below 100 means it is more affordable.
| Category | Mississippi | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 84.8 | 100.0 | -15.2 |
| Housing | 64.2 | 100.0 | -35.8 |
| Groceries | 93.1 | 100.0 | -6.9 |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 100.0 | -9.3 |
| Healthcare | 87.5 | 100.0 | -12.5 |
| Utilities | 94.6 | 100.0 | -5.4 |
Key Takeaways for Mississippi
- Housing (64.2): Housing costs are well below the national average, making Mississippi one of the more affordable states for housing.
- Groceries (93.1): Grocery prices are below the national average, providing some relief on everyday expenses.
- Transportation (90.7): Transportation costs are below the national average.
- Healthcare (87.5): Healthcare costs are below the national average, which can be a significant advantage for families and retirees.
- Utilities (94.6): Utility costs are below the national average, helping to keep monthly expenses manageable.
Biggest Factor in Mississippi
The most expensive category in Mississippi relative to national averages is Utilities at an index of 94.6, while the most affordable is Housing at 64.2. The low housing costs are a major advantage for Mississippi residents, allowing for more disposable income compared to high-cost states.
Cost of Living by City in Mississippi
Explore city-level cost of living data for Mississippi.
Cost of Living by ZIP Code in Mississippi
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