Moving to Mississippi? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Mississippi is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States and is the 32nd largest by land mass. Considered as the home to blues music and also as the site of a Civil War battle, Mississippi has a rich history.

If you are considering moving to Mississippi, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Mississippi Facts:

Population: 2.95 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $42,990 (2021)
Random Fact: Mississippi is the birthplace of the teddy bear. This origin dates back to 1902 during one of Theodore Roosevelt’s hunting trips when he refused to shoot a bear, which is said to have inspired a toy manufacturer to create the now-beloved toy.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Mississippi

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$3,800 – $6,000
Texas	$2,500 – $4,000
Florida	$2,800 – $4,800
New York	$3,900 – $6,300
Pennsylvania	$3,400 – $5,600
Illinois	$3,000 – $5,200
Ohio	$2,900 – $4,900
Georgia	$2,400 – $4,200
North Carolina	$2,700 – $4,500
Michigan	$3,200 – $5,400

2. Mississippi Housing Costs

In Mississippi, the range of rental and house purchase prices can vary depending on the location, including the distinction between uptown and downtown areas. Uptown neighbourhoods, typically characterised by more desirable and affluent areas, tend to have higher rental and housing prices compared to downtown areas, which often offer more affordable options for residents seeking a budget-friendly living arrangement.

Monthly Rental Prices in Mississippi:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $760+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $700+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $1,970+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,400+

Mississippi Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $1,230+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $960+

Mississippi Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Mississippi compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 60% more expensive
New York is 72.7% more expensive
Los Angeles is 61.8% more expensive
Toronto is 44.8% more expensive
Sydney is 54% more expensive
Paris is 34.1% more expensive
Dubai is 45.3% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom and iRoommates.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Mississippi exhibits noticeable disparities between uptown and downtown regions. Uptown areas generally command higher prices, with rental rates spanning between $1,200 and $2,500 per month, while downtown areas offer more affordable options, with rental prices ranging from $800 to $1,500 per month.

3. Mississippi Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Mississippi is witnessing a rise in food and drink trends that celebrate its Southern heritage while embracing modern influences. Farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and mixology bars are gaining popularity, showcasing a fusion of traditional Southern flavours with innovative culinary techniques. Additionally, Mississippi is renowned for its famous dishes such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and mouthwatering barbecue, which should not be missed by food enthusiasts visiting the state.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $29.50
Takeout Coffee: $4.50
Bottle of Coke: $1.70
1L of Milk: $0.90
Loaf of Bread: $3.30
12 Eggs: $4.50
1kg Chicken: $8.80
1kg Beef: $8.80
1kg Apples: $8.00
1kg White Rice: $3.30

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 13.3% more expensive than Mississippi.
New York restaurants are 16.7% more expensive than Mississippi.
Los Angeles restaurants are 12.9% more expensive than Mississippi.
Toronto restaurants are 12.1% cheaper than Mississippi.
Sydney restaurants are 6.9% cheaper than Mississippi.
Paris restaurants are 17.1% cheaper than Mississippi.
Dubai restaurants are 19.2% cheaper than Mississippi.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Farmers’ markets are thriving in Mississippi, offering a vibrant and diverse selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and locally sourced products. In terms of supermarkets, the state features a range of options from affordable chain stores to upscale grocery establishments, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Find Cheap Eats: Mississippi has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Mississippi Alcohol Costs

Mississippi, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $3.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $3.50
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $1.40
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $1.70
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $12.50

How To Drink For Less in Mississippi:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Yelp.

5. Mississippi Transportation Fares

Public transport in Mississippi, US, is primarily reliant on private automobiles due to the state’s vast rural areas and limited public transportation infrastructure. However, major cities like Jackson do offer public bus services that connect different neighbourhoods and provide transportation options for residents and visitors alike.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $1.50
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $42.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Mississippi

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Mississippi ranges from around 16 to 23 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from 4 to 14 degrees Celsius, while the hottest month is typically July, with average temperatures ranging from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius. The wettest month varies across the state, but generally, the wettest period occurs in late winter and early spring, with March being a commonly wet month.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $40.00
Summer Dress: $15.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $78.00
Business Shoes: $80.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $4.50
Shampoo: $3.50
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $3.50
Gym Membership: $63.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Mississippi

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Mississippi. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Mississippi from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Mississippi:

Volkswagen Golf: $18,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.70

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Mississippi:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Mississippi

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax in Mississippi, US, consists of a state sales tax and additional local sales taxes imposed by municipalities. The state sales tax rate is 7%, and local sales tax rates can vary from 0% to 3%.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Mississippi at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Mississippi you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Mississippi

If you do make the move to Mississippi, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $1,730
New York: $210
Los Angeles: $310
Toronto: $400
Vancouver: $400
Dubai: $1,100
Sydney: $1,400
Melbourne: $1,400
Cape Town: $1,900
Hong Kong: $1,200

Other Tips on Moving to Mississippi:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Mississippi but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Mississippi Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Mississippi.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Mississippi always has something going on. Have a look at Eventbrite and Mississippi Tour Guide.

12. Moving to Mississippi with a Family

Mississippi is generally considered a family-friendly location with its strong sense of community, affordable housing options, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The state offers family-oriented activities, events, and attractions that cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary across different cities and regions within Mississippi, yet, while some areas may experience higher crime rates, overall, Mississippi has a lower crime rate compared to the national average.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at MSDH.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Mississippi offers several family-friendly areas to live in, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. One notable family-friendly area is Madison County, located in the central part of the state. Madison County boasts highly regarded school districts, safe neighbourhoods, and a range of recreational facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and sports complexes. Cities like Madison and Ridgeland within the county offer a variety of family-oriented events, shopping centres, and dining options.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Mississippi. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Mississippi for Work

While it is possible to move to Mississippi without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The main industries in Mississippi include manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and aerospace. Manufacturing plays a significant role, with sectors such as automotive, furniture and food processing being prominent. The unemployment rate as of September 2021 was 5.3%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Mississippi, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Mississippi from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Mississippi, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The state of Victoria is roughly double the size of Mississippi.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Mississippi that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Mississippi from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Mississippi. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Newfoundland and Labrador, located in eastern Canada, has a land area of approximately 42,031 square miles, similar to that of Mississippi.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Mississippi from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Mississippi. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: Scotland has a land area of approximately 30,414 square miles which, although smaller than Mississippi, is the closest match within the UK.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Mississippi, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Mississippi you can start by comparing moving quotes here.