A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
5%
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 Southaven Mississippi National
Cost of living9586100
Groceries9897100
Health care9495100
Housing9563100
Transportation9394100
Utilities10098100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9694100
Household Items9596100
Education & Childcare8794100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Southaven, MS

Understanding the cost of living in Southaven can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Southaven cost of living index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

In Southaven, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Southaven will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Southaven Affordable?

Is Southaven 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 Southaven, the median home price is 11.4% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 11.3% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Southaven come in at $94,921, which is 16.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Southaven?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Southaven, the transportation index stands at 7.5% lower than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Southaven, the utilities index registers 0.2% higher than the national average.

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 Southaven, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7%, and income tax rates kick off at 5%.

Where is the Data From?

The Southaven cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Southaven is 11% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Southaven is 5% lower than the national average
  • Southaven housing is 5% 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 Southaven

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Compare Southaven, 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$109,166$9,097$2,547$3,275
      Renters$67,011$5,584$1,563$2,011
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Southaven 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. Southaven has a median income of about $109,166 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,547 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $67,011. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,563 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.
      West Memphis, AR25,2458713.4%
      Walls, MS1,4518713.2%
      Memphis, TN674,455919.1%
      Horn Lake, MS28,1969010.0%
      Lynchburg, MS2,272919.3%
      Southaven, MS57,133955.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Manhattan, KS57,1331000.3%
      Kettering, OH57,103918.8%
      Lakewood, NJ57,09815151.0%
      Oak Lawn, IL57,1801065.8%
      Apex, NC57,03712222.3%
      Southaven, MS57,133955.0%
      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.