A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
20%
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 Gulfport Mississippi National
Cost of living9086100
Groceries9597100
Health care9695100
Housing8063100
Transportation9294100
Utilities9898100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9594100
Household Items9596100
Education & Childcare9494100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Gulfport, MS

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Gulfport? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Gulfport stands at 90, making it 10% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Gulfport are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Gulfport can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Gulfport Affordable?

Is Gulfport an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Gulfport is 25.4% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 6% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Gulfport has a median household income of $61,023, which is 25% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gulfport?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Gulfport, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7%, and income tax rates kick off at 5%.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Gulfport, the utilities index stands at 2.1% lower than the national average.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Gulfport, the groceries index is 5.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Gulfport shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Gulfport is 6% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Gulfport is 10% lower than the national average
  • Gulfport housing is 20% 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 Gulfport

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Compare Gulfport, 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$85,213$7,101$1,988$2,557
      Renters$41,866$3,489$977$1,256
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Gulfport 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. Gulfport has a median income of about $85,213 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,988 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $41,866. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $977 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.
      St. Martin, MS8,380909.8%
      Latimer, MS6,351927.6%
      Biloxi, MS47,008955.2%
      D'Iberville, MS14,203955.2%
      Long Beach, MS16,179955.1%
      Gulfport, MS73,689909.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lauderhill, FL73,7821065.5%
      Frederick, MD73,59012020.2%
      Waukesha, WI73,9021033.0%
      Canton, OH73,4698218.5%
      Kissimmee, FL73,9571077.0%
      Gulfport, MS73,689909.5%
      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.