Skyline of Hattiesburg
Cost of Living: 85 46,000

Hattiesburg, MS, US

Hub City with the University of Southern Mississippi and a growing healthcare sector.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 85

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 88

Affordable

Median Income $45,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.0%

Job market health

Hattiesburg vs US Average

Cost of Living
Hattiesburg: 85
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Hattiesburg: 88
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Hattiesburg: 5%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.0%
  • Sales Tax: 7.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $45,000
  • Unemployment: 4.0%
  • Population: 46,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 215/year
  • Summer High: 91°F
  • Winter Low: 40°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $180,000
  • 1BR Rent: $900/mo

Cost of Living

Hattiesburg's cost of living index is 85 (US average = 100).

CategoryHattiesburgNational AverageDifference
Overall85100-15.0%
Housing88100-12.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$180,000
Median Rent (1BR)$900/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,125/mo
Price per Sq Ft$120

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Hattiesburg:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$4Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$7Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$261Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Hattiesburg

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,080/mo.

Hattiesburg Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $990/mo.

East Hattiesburg

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $810/mo.

West Hattiesburg

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $855/mo.

Remote Work Score

Hattiesburg scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
85
Rent
$900
Sunny Days
215
Tax
5%
Unemployment
4.0%
Climate
91°F / 40°F

Climate

Hattiesburg has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January60°F40°F2.5"
April76°F55°F2.8"
July91°F66°F1.5"
October71°F58°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5%
  • Sales Tax: 7%
  • Property Tax: ~0.75% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS, US?

The cost of living index in Hattiesburg is 85, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Hattiesburg?

The median home price in Hattiesburg is $180,000. The housing index is 88.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hattiesburg is approximately $900/mo.

Does Hattiesburg, MS have income tax?

Hattiesburg is in MS, which has an income tax rate of 5%.

What is the climate like in Hattiesburg?

Hattiesburg enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 91°F, while winter lows can drop to around 40°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.