A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
16%
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 Tupelo Mississippi National
Cost of living9286100
Groceries9897100
Health care9395100
Housing8463100
Transportation9594100
Utilities9998100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9394100
Household Items9896100
Education & Childcare9694100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Tupelo, MS

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Tupelo? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Tupelo stands at 92, making it 8% 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.

In Tupelo, 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 Tupelo will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 6 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Tupelo. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 83% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 17% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Tupelo Affordable?

Wondering if Tupelo 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 Tupelo, for example, the median home price is 16.1% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 17.2% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Tupelo boasting a median household income of $83,001, which is 2.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Tupelo?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Tupelo, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 7%, and income tax rates start at 5%.

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 Tupelo, the healthcare costs are 6.6% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Tupelo, the transportation index is 4.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Tupelo 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 Tupelo is 8% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Tupelo is 8% lower than the national average
  • Tupelo housing is 16% 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 Tupelo

See all the best places to live around Tupelo

Compare Tupelo, 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$112,447$9,371$2,624$3,374
      Renters$48,750$4,063$1,137$1,463
      The affordability of the housing market in Tupelo, 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 Tupelo homeowners, the median income is $112,447. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,624 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $48,750. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,137 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.
      Nettleton, MS2,5308217.5%
      Shannon, MS1,8808416.0%
      Verona, MS3,3108415.5%
      Plantersville, MS8158514.7%
      Mantachie, MS1,7908514.6%
      Tupelo, MS39,384927.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Meadow, NY39,37815150.8%
      Brighton, CO39,40612625.6%
      Pleasant Grove, UT39,35612020.3%
      Brookfield, WI39,41512120.9%
      Florence, SC39,448954.8%
      Tupelo, MS39,384927.6%
      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.