A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
33%
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 Hattiesburg Mississippi National
Cost of living8786100
Groceries9697100
Health care9395100
Housing6763100
Transportation9694100
Utilities9698100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9494100
Household Items9496100
Education & Childcare9394100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hattiesburg, MS

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Hattiesburg? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Hattiesburg stands at 87, making it 13% 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Hattiesburg?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 5 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Hattiesburg. The results indicated that 60% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 40% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Hattiesburg Affordable?

Is Hattiesburg an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Hattiesburg, the median home price is 39.6% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 16.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Hattiesburg come in at $53,085, which is 34.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hattiesburg?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Hattiesburg, is 32.6% 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 Hattiesburg, the groceries index is 4.2% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Hattiesburg, the healthcare costs are 7.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg is 1% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Hattiesburg is 13% lower than the national average
  • Hattiesburg housing is 33% 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 Hattiesburg

See all the best places to live around Hattiesburg

Compare Hattiesburg, 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$80,913$6,743$1,888$2,428
      Renters$37,761$3,147$881$1,133
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg homeowners, is $80,913. This would allow for a maximum of $1,888 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $37,761 which would result in a maximum of $881 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.
      Rawls Springs, MS1,7468119.2%
      Purvis, MS2,2768613.9%
      Glendale, MS1,5168812.5%
      Petal, MS10,8499010.3%
      West Hattiesburg, MS6,083928.5%
      Hattiesburg, MS47,8238713.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Salina, KS47,8329010.2%
      Four Corners, FL47,7681109.6%
      Bothell, WA47,76216262.3%
      Titusville, FL47,8991011.1%
      Cornwall, ON47,736n/a 
      Hattiesburg, MS47,8238713.5%
      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.