Mississippi

Mississippi is about 21% cheaper than the national average. Across the 6 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 79, where 100 is the US average.

Typical rent in Mississippi averages $1,367 a month across the 6 cities we track as of September 2026, 29% below the national typical rent of $1,932. That ranks near the middle of 51 states. The figure is the Zillow Observed Rent Index for all home types.

Of the 6 cities we track in Mississippi, Jackson has the lowest cost of living index at 72. The lowest typical rent is in Meridian, at $1,284 a month.

Gulfport has the highest cost of living index of the cities we track in Mississippi, at 80. The highest typical rent is in Jackson, at $1,470 a month.

Regular unleaded averages $3.64 a gallon in Mississippi as of November 11, 2026 (AAA state average), 8% below the national average of $3.98. That is the 11th cheapest of 51 states.

Rent in Mississippi rose an average of 3.6% over the past year across the 6 cities we track, compared with a 2.7% change nationally.

Residential electricity in Mississippi averages 14.4 cents per kWh (EIA), versus 18.4 cents nationally. At 900 kWh a month, a typical bill is about $130.

Full coverage car insurance in Mississippi averages $2,280 a year, or about $190 a month (Bankrate and NAIC), compared with $2,150 a year nationally. That is the 17th highest of 51 states.