Explore Hattiesburg, MS
Cost of Living in Hattiesburg, MS (2026) – Salary Needed & Budget Calculator
Thinking about moving to Hattiesburg? Use this 2026 Hattiesburg cost of living calculator to estimate rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare and taxes.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Your salary provides a comfortable buffer for life in Hattiesburg. You can save and enjoy leisure activities.
| Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (Single) | $950.00 |
| Utilities | $259.00 |
| Groceries | $450.00 |
| Transportation (Public) | $350.00 |
| Healthcare | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous (10.0%) | $165.90 |
| Total Estimated Costs | $2,574.90 |
Tax & Benefits Breakdown
Quality of Life & Environment
Local Climate
Enjoy 200 days of sunshine per year. Summer highs avg 94°F, while winter lows dip to 39°F.
Safety & Crime Rate
Hattiesburg ranks as a moderate safety zone compared to national averages for similar-sized metros.
Environmental Index
Air quality and environmental health factors in Mississippi remain a key priority for 2026.
Planning your move to or from Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg, MS: The University Hub (2026 Relocation Guide)
Hattiesburg enters 2026 as the commercial and intellectual pivot of the Mississippi South. Known as 'The Hub City' and anchored by the high-energy pulse of USM and William Carey University, it offers a sophisticated, secure, and historic lifestyle. It is the choice for academics and healthcare professionals seeking a high-utility, low-cost Mississippi base with deep academic soul.
📊 Real Monthly Cost: The Relocation Analyst's Estimate
High-plains living carries a champion's budget. A single professional needs $2,650 per month, while a family of four spends $5,300. Mississippi’s 4.0% tax and Hattiesburg's extreme low barrier for housing create massive monthly liquidity. Daily living expenses sit 15% below the national average, making it one of the most sustainable financial targets in the South. You are paying for the safety.
🏠 Housing Reality: Pine Estates and traditional Ranches
The 2026 housing market is historically accessible and offers massive lot value. Median home prices sit near $195,000, buy legacy brick bungalows in the historic core or modern luxury inventory in the northern hills. Rental inventory is robustly geared toward the university workforce, with professional 2-bedrooms averaging $1,250. In Hattiesburg, homeownership is a low-barrier reality for most working professionals.
⚠️ Hidden Trade-Offs: The Humid Friction
The primary trade-off is environmental; intense Southeastern humidity and localized student-area noise are permanent features of daily life. Additionally, the local economy lacks elite high-wage corporate diversity outside the ed/med sectors. If you require a high-intensity urban pulse or 'artsy' souls, Hattiesburg will feel too quiet and functional.
🏆 Final Relocation Verdict
Move here if: You are an academic or healthcare professional, a regional remote worker, or a family seeking the best stability-to-safety ratio in the state.
Avoid this city if: You require a high-end luxury retail pulse, hate high humidity, or crave a high-grit urban soul.
Salary Needed to Live Comfortably
In our estimation, to live a comfortable life in Hattiesburg with a buffer for savings and hobbies, you would need a gross annual salary of approximately:
This assumes you want to save at least $1,000 per month after all expenses and taxes.
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Calculator Disclaimer
The results provided by this calculator are estimates based on publicly available data and modeling assumptions. Actual living costs, taxes, and relocation expenses may vary depending on personal circumstances, market conditions, and local regulations. This tool is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial or relocation decisions.