A+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
55%
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 Clarksdale Mississippi National
Cost of living8186100
Groceries9697100
Health care9795100
Housing4563100
Transportation9894100
Utilities9798100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9294100
Household Items9696100
Education & Childcare9594100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Clarksdale, MS

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Clarksdale? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Clarksdale stands at 81, making it 19% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing expenses often consume a significant portion of your net income, occasionally surpassing 30%. Fortunately, housing costs in Clarksdale are 54.9% below the national average. This highlights the region's exceptional affordability for both homeownership and rentals in comparison to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more reasonable fraction of their income to housing, resulting in enhanced financial flexibility and improved overall financial well-being.

Is Clarksdale Affordable?

Wondering if Clarksdale is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Clarksdale, for example, the median home price is 63.5% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 35% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Clarksdale boasting a median household income of $46,054, which is 43.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Clarksdale?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Clarksdale, healthcare costs are 3.4% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Clarksdale, the housing index comes in at 54.9% lower than the national average.

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 Clarksdale comes in at 2.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Clarksdale 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 Clarksdale is 6% lower than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Clarksdale is 19% lower than the national average
  • Clarksdale housing is 55% 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 Clarksdale

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Compare Clarksdale, 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$63,916$5,326$1,491$1,918
      Renters$28,072$2,339$655$842
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Clarksdale is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Clarksdale has a median income of about $63,916 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,491 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $28,072. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $655 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Duncan, MS327964.2%
      Farrell, MS3037228.4%
      Jonestown, MS9957425.7%
      Coahoma, MS2827525.0%
      Friars Point, MS1,2947623.6%
      Clarksdale, MS15,6838119.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mineral Wells, TX15,6838911.3%
      Bemidji, MN15,682955.4%
      Great Bend, KS15,6858514.8%
      Beech Grove, IN15,6798811.7%
      West Hants, NS15,678n/a 
      Clarksdale, MS15,6838119.4%
      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.