A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
13%
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 Olive Branch Mississippi National
Cost of living10186100
Groceries9897100
Health care9695100
Housing11363100
Transportation9394100
Utilities10098100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9594100
Household Items9896100
Education & Childcare9294100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Olive Branch, MS

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Olive Branch? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Olive Branch stands at 101, making it 1% higher 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.

The cost of living in Olive Branch aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Olive Branch residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Olive Branch Affordable?

Is Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch, the median home price is 6.7% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 26% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Olive Branch come in at $116,511, which is 43.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Olive Branch?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Olive Branch, the transportation index is 7.1% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Olive Branch, the groceries index is 1.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch is 18% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Olive Branch is 1% higher than the national average
  • Olive Branch housing is 13% higher 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 Olive Branch

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Compare Olive Branch, 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$130,986$10,916$3,056$3,930
      Renters$94,617$7,885$2,208$2,839
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Olive Branch, 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 Olive Branch have a median income of $130,986. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,056 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $94,617, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,208.

      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.
      Byhalia, MS1,6928514.6%
      Memphis, TN674,455919.1%
      Horn Lake, MS28,1969010.0%
      Lynchburg, MS2,272919.3%
      Southaven, MS57,133955.0%
      Olive Branch, MS39,7591011.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Severna Park, MD39,77015352.9%
      Mooresville, NC39,77211110.8%
      Security-Widefield, CO39,79611514.9%
      Martinez, CA39,84117171.4%
      Land O' Lakes, FL39,84111616.1%
      Olive Branch, MS39,7591011.1%
      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.