A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
35%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Canton Mississippi National
Cost of living8686100
Groceries9797100
Health care9195100
Housing6563100
Transportation9294100
Utilities9698100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9094100
Household Items9696100
Education & Childcare9794100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Canton, MS

Understanding the cost of living in Canton can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Canton cost of living index is 86, which is 14% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Is Canton Affordable?

Is Canton an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Canton, the median home price is 42.2% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 17.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Canton come in at $47,460, which is 41.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Canton?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Canton comes in at 4.5% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Canton, the housing index is 34.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Canton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Canton is equal to the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Canton is 14% lower than the national average
  • Canton housing is 35% lower than the national average
  • Mississippi general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Mississippi state income tax is 93% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Canton

See all the best places to live around Canton

Compare Canton, MS Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$60,734$5,061$1,417$1,822
      Renters$43,361$3,613$1,012$1,301
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Canton, MS, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Canton homeowners, is $60,734. This would allow for a maximum of $1,417 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $43,361 which would result in a maximum of $1,012 to be spent on rental costs.

      Mississippi Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Mississippi 7% 7.25%

      Mississippi Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Mississippi 5% 5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ridgeland, MS25,070991.3%
      Madison, MS26,67511111.4%
      Canton, MS12,2078614.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Grand Rapids, MI12,21512625.7%
      Dunkirk, NY12,215936.7%
      Garden City, ID12,2161098.7%
      Robinson, TX12,2191010.7%
      Maltby, WA12,22217070.3%
      Canton, MS12,2078614.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.