A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
22%
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 Petal Mississippi National
Cost of living9086100
Groceries9697100
Health care9395100
Housing7863100
Transportation9694100
Utilities9698100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9494100
Household Items9496100
Education & Childcare9394100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Petal, MS

The cost of living in Petal affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Petal is 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is Petal Affordable?

Wondering if Petal 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 Petal, for example, the median home price is 26.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12.2% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Petal boasting a median household income of $86,860, which is 6.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Petal?

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.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Petal, the housing index is 22.2% 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 Petal, the groceries index is 4.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Petal 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 Petal is 5% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Petal is 10% lower than the national average
  • Petal housing is 22% 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 Petal

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Compare Petal, 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$97,612$8,134$2,277$2,929
      Renters$60,878$5,073$1,420$1,827
      The affordability of the housing market in Petal, MS as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Petal homeowners, the median income is $97,612. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,277 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $60,878. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,420 for their rent related monthly 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.
      New Augusta, MS4747920.6%
      Rawls Springs, MS1,7468119.2%
      Purvis, MS2,2768613.9%
      Hattiesburg, MS47,8238713.5%
      Glendale, MS1,5168812.5%
      Petal, MS10,8499010.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Martin, TN10,8479010.0%
      North Branch, MN10,8551032.6%
      South Yarmouth, MA10,84113332.5%
      Cadillac, MI10,8418415.9%
      Mount Sinai, NY10,84115252.4%
      Petal, MS10,8499010.3%
      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.