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A good salary in Mississippi goes extremely far due to the state having the lowest cost of living in the nation.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Mississippi average | $40,000-$52,000 | $30,000-$40,000 |
| Single in Jackson | $45,000-$58,000 | $35,000-$45,000 |
| Single in Gulfport | $42,000-$55,000 | $32,000-$42,000 |
| Family of 4 | $65,000-$85,000 | $52,000-$65,000 |
Key advantage: Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the US — 16% below the national average.
Why Mississippi Is the Most Affordable State
Mississippi benefits from:
- Lowest housing costs in the nation (median home price ~$155,000)
- Low property taxes (0.81% effective rate)
- Affordable utilities and groceries
- Low overall taxes — income tax phasing out
Good Salary by Mississippi City
Jackson
Jackson is the state capital and largest metro area.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $28,000 | $48,000 |
| Comfortable | $40,000 | $65,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $55,000+ | $88,000+ |
Median home price: ~$185,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$900/month
Gulfport-Biloxi
Gulf Coast area with casino and tourism industry.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $28,000 | $48,000 |
| Comfortable | $38,000 | $62,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $52,000+ | $85,000+ |
Median home price: ~$195,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$950/month
Hattiesburg
College town (Southern Miss) with healthcare industry.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $26,000 | $45,000 |
| Comfortable | $35,000 | $58,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $48,000+ | $78,000+ |
Median home price: ~$165,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$800/month
Tupelo
Northeast Mississippi with furniture manufacturing and healthcare.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $25,000 | $42,000 |
| Comfortable | $35,000 | $56,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $45,000+ | $75,000+ |
Median home price: ~$170,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$800/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Mississippi?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $40,000 | $145,000-$160,000 |
| $52,000 | $190,000-$210,000 |
| $65,000 | $245,000-$270,000 |
| $85,000 | $320,000-$350,000 |
Mississippi vs. Other States
| State | $50K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $42,200 | 84 |
| Alabama | $41,500 | 87 |
| Arkansas | $41,000 | 86 |
| Louisiana | $41,200 | 92 |
Mississippi’s low costs make lower salaries go further.
Mississippi State Income Tax
Mississippi is phasing out its income tax completely:
- Currently: 4.7% flat rate (income over $10,000)
- By 2030: Projected 0% (full elimination)
This makes Mississippi increasingly tax-competitive.
Top Industries in Mississippi
- Healthcare — Average salary $55,000+
- Manufacturing (automotive, furniture) — Average salary $45,000+
- Gaming/Casinos (Gulf Coast) — Average salary $40,000+
- Agriculture (poultry, cotton, catfish) — Average salary $40,000+
- Shipbuilding (Ingalls, Pascagoula) — Average salary $60,000+
- Education — Average salary $42,000+
Mississippi Considerations
Pros:
- Lowest cost of living in US
- Income tax being eliminated
- Gulf Coast beaches
- Warm climate year-round
Cons:
- Lower average wages
- Limited job market in some sectors
- Infrastructure challenges in some areas
- Hurricane exposure on coast
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Alabama?
- What is a good salary in Louisiana?
- How much house on $50K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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