| Index | Gautier | Mississippi | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 86 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 95 | 100 |
| Housing | 84 | 63 | 100 |
| Transportation | 96 | 94 | 100 |
| Utilities | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 94 | 100 |

Understanding the cost of living in Gautier 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 Gautier cost of living index is 92, which is 8% 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.
Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Gautier are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Gautier can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.
Wondering if Gautier 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 Gautier, for example, the median home price is 22.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 2.4% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Gautier boasting a median household income of $77,471, which is 4.7% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Gautier, the transportation index is 4.5% lower than the national average.
Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Gautier, the housing index is 16.4% lower than the national average.
The Gautier cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $94,522 | $7,877 | $2,205 | $2,836 |
| Renters | $44,230 | $3,686 | $1,032 | $1,327 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Mississippi | 7% | 7.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Mississippi | 5% | 5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Helena, MS | 819 | 85 | 15.1% |
| Escatawpa, MS | 3,050 | 86 | 13.9% |
| Moss Point, MS | 13,734 | 87 | 13.4% |
| Pascagoula, MS | 22,492 | 88 | 12.5% |
| St. Martin, MS | 8,380 | 90 | 9.8% |
| Gautier, MS | 19,005 | 92 | 7.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Castaic, CA | 19,003 | 168 | 67.5% |
| Rancho Mirage, CA | 19,003 | 156 | 56.1% |
| Sainte-Catherine, QC | 19,000 | n/a | |
| Sartell, MN | 19,015 | 105 | 4.7% |
| Port Alberni, BC | 19,018 | n/a | |
| Gautier, MS | 19,005 | 92 | 7.6% |