Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Mississippi has one of the nation's lowest costs of living, with an index around 86.5.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 87 | 100 |
- •Mississippi has ranked among the three cheapest states to live in for most of the past decade.
Housing Costs
Mississippi has the lowest housing costs in the nation, with a housing cost index near 66.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 56.5 | 100 |
- •Mississippi consistently has the lowest median home prices of any U.S. state.
Utility Costs
Utility costs in Mississippi are slightly above the national average, driven by summer cooling demand.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (South region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU030072610).
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 78.4 | 100 |
- •Mississippi's hot, humid summers push household electricity use, and bills, above the national norm.
Food Costs
Grocery costs in Mississippi run about 6% below the national average.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAF1).
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96.2 | 100 |
- •Mississippi is the only state that still applies its full sales tax rate to groceries.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Mississippi are slightly below the national average, with an index near 92.
Medical care price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAM).
- •Mississippi has some of the fewest hospital beds per capita in metro areas outside Jackson.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Mississippi are below the national average, aided by gas prices near $2.85 per gallon.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Gulf Coast region (PADD 3), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R30_DPG).
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $3.91 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Mississippi has among the lowest average gas prices in the country most years.