A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
16%
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 Gautier Mississippi National
Cost of living9286100
Groceries9797100
Health care9795100
Housing8463100
Transportation9694100
Utilities9798100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9694100
Household Items9496100
Education & Childcare9594100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Gautier, MS

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.

Is Gautier Affordable?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gautier?

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.

Where is the Data From?

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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Gautier is 8% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Gautier is 8% lower than the national average
  • Gautier housing is 16% 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 Gautier

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Compare Gautier, 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$94,522$7,877$2,205$2,836
      Renters$44,230$3,686$1,032$1,327
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Gautier, 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 Gautier homeowners, is $94,522. This would allow for a maximum of $2,205 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $44,230 which would result in a maximum of $1,032 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.
      Helena, MS8198515.1%
      Escatawpa, MS3,0508613.9%
      Moss Point, MS13,7348713.4%
      Pascagoula, MS22,4928812.5%
      St. Martin, MS8,380909.8%
      Gautier, MS19,005927.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Castaic, CA19,00316867.5%
      Rancho Mirage, CA19,00315656.1%
      Sainte-Catherine, QC19,000n/a 
      Sartell, MN19,0151054.7%
      Port Alberni, BC19,018n/a 
      Gautier, MS19,005927.6%
      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.