Cost of Living in Columbia, MS

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19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
51%
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 Columbia Mississippi National
Cost of living8186100
Groceries9697100
Health care9395100
Housing4963100
Transportation9694100
Utilities9698100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9494100
Household Items9496100
Education & Childcare9394100
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Homes For Sale In Columbia, MS

property for sale

1430 Hendricks St

Columbia, MS
property for sale

Orchard Dr

Columbia, MS
property for sale

0 Crawley Rd

Columbia, MS
property for sale

0 U.S. 98

Columbia, MS
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Columbia, MS

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Columbia is 5% lower than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Columbia is 19% lower than the national average
  • Columbia housing is 51% 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 Columbia

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Compare Columbia, MS Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$47,056$3,921$1,098$1,412
      Renters$24,689$2,057$576$741
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Columbia, MS, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Columbia have a median income of $47,056. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,098 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $24,689, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $576.

      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.
      Foxworth, MS5207426.1%
      Columbia, MS6,1258119.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sweetwater, TN6,1258713.0%
      Gateway, AK6,12613231.9%
      Stratmoor, CO6,1261066.2%
      Roanoke, AL6,1238812.1%
      Darlington, SC6,1238910.7%
      Columbia, MS6,1258119.1%
      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.
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