A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
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 Ridgeland Mississippi National
Cost of living9986100
Groceries9797100
Health care9195100
Housing10963100
Transportation9294100
Utilities9698100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9094100
Household Items9696100
Education & Childcare9794100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ridgeland, MS

Knowing the cost of living in Ridgeland allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Ridgeland stands at 99, marking it 1% lower than the national average.

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

Is Ridgeland Affordable?

Is Ridgeland affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Ridgeland, for instance, where the median home price falls 7.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 12.2% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Ridgeland flaunting a median household income of $90,367, 11.1% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ridgeland?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Ridgeland, the groceries index is 3% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Ridgeland, healthcare costs are 8.7% lower than the national average.

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 Ridgeland, is 9.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Ridgeland are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ridgeland is 15% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Ridgeland is 1% lower than the national average
  • Ridgeland housing is 9% 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 Ridgeland

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Compare Ridgeland, 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$130,856$10,905$3,053$3,926
      Renters$70,966$5,914$1,656$2,129
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Ridgeland 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. Ridgeland has a median income of about $130,856 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,053 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $70,966. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,656 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.
      Kearney Park, MS1,2028019.7%
      Jackson, MS168,1278515.5%
      Canton, MS12,2078614.5%
      Richland, MS7,4108812.0%
      Pearl, MS27,3529010.1%
      Ridgeland, MS25,070991.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Collinsville, IL25,068927.5%
      Farmington, UT25,07613029.6%
      Marysville, OH25,0781000.1%
      Palm River-Clair Mel, FL25,0851000.0%
      Peekskill, NY25,02112423.7%
      Ridgeland, MS25,070991.3%
      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.