Direct Answer
Hattiesburg, MS has a CostOfCity index of 78, which is 22% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,005/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,222/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Hattiesburg: The Full Picture
Whether you're a longtime Hattiesburg resident or considering this southern smaller city for a potential move, understanding local costs is essential. The city's economy — a budget-conscious community where affordable living draws families from pricier metro areas — creates a pricing environment that national data can't capture. The subtropical climate keeps construction crews working year-round, which helps with scheduling but doesn't reduce labor costs. Here's what the numbers look like across 62 categories.
Hattiesburg has a small-city economy where personal relationships still drive business and referrals matter more than advertising
The housing market features a housing market where the American Dream of owning a home is still financially realistic
The subtropical climate keeps construction crews working year-round, which helps with scheduling but doesn't reduce labor costs.. The lifestyle here is characterized by A warm-weather lifestyle that includes year-round outdoor activities, from fishing to football tailgates..
Few American cities offer better value than Hattiesburg. At a cost index of 78, you'll find housing, services, and daily expenses dramatically cheaper than national norms — making it a magnet for remote workers and retirees.
💰 Purchasing Power in Hattiesburg
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Hattiesburg, your dollar buys 28% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Hattiesburg Costs More
🔽 Where Hattiesburg Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Hattiesburg
What it actually costs to live in Hattiesburg each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Hattiesburg's cost index of 78 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Hattiesburg's cost landscape is shaped by geography. Newer developments and master-planned communities drive the sharpest price differences between neighborhoods. A 15-minute drive can mean a 20%+ swing in housing and service costs.
Hattiesburg vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Hattiesburg
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-38%HVAC Installation
-25%Plumbing Services
-45%Electrical Work
-45%Kitchen Remodel
-27%Bathroom Remodel
-26%House Painting
-38%Flooring Installation
-45%Landscaping
-4%Fence Installation
-38%Window Replacement
-29%Solar Panel Installation
-24%Water Heater Replacement
-32%Deck Building
-8%Pool Installation
-14%Tree Removal
-16%Garage Door Repair
-30%💼 Business Startup Costs in Hattiesburg
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-36%Start a Coffee Shop
-27%Start a Food Truck
-30%Start a Gym
-33%Start a Daycare
-6%Start a Hair Salon
-27%Start a Laundromat
+2%Start a Bakery
-31%Start a Bar
-12%Start a Cleaning Business
-34%Start an Airbnb
-22%Start a Trucking Business
-8%📊 Cost of Living in Hattiesburg
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-19%Rent Prices
-29%Grocery Costs
-10%Utility Costs
-27%Transportation Costs
-2%Childcare Costs
-11%Gym Membership
-25%🛡️ Insurance in Hattiesburg
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-7%Home Insurance
-25%Health Insurance
-13%Business Insurance
+7%Life Insurance
+10%Renters Insurance
+11%Pet Insurance
-4%Dental Insurance
-24%Motorcycle Insurance
-29%⚖️ Legal Services in Hattiesburg
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-33%Divorce Lawyer
-38%DUI Lawyer
-5%Immigration Lawyer
-9%Estate Planning Lawyer
-28%Workers Comp Lawyer
-31%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-34%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Hattiesburg
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-18%Registered Nurse Salary
-10%Teacher Salary
-12%Electrician Salary
-37%Plumber Salary
-16%Accountant Salary
-29%Physical Therapist Salary
-7%Police Officer Salary
-22%Dentist Salary
-45%Real Estate Agent Salary
-36%How Much Income Do You Need in Hattiesburg?
✅ Best For
- Retirees on fixed incomes
- First-time business owners
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- Anyone building an emergency fund
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
Talk to current residents about hidden costs. The sticker savings are real — just factor in any commute or lifestyle adjustments. Local subreddits and Facebook groups are goldmines for this intel.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
Get Hattiesburg Cost Alerts
Free monthly brief: rent shifts, insurance rate changes, and salary trends in Hattiesburg. No spam — just the numbers that matter.
Free monthly cost alerts. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hattiesburg
What is the median household income in Hattiesburg?
The median household income in Hattiesburg is approximately $34,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 78), this goes further than in many US cities.
Is Hattiesburg a good place to start a business?
Hattiesburg's business environment is shaped by MS's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Below-average operating costs give businesses more runway to reach profitability. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
Is Hattiesburg, MS expensive to live in?
Hattiesburg's cost of living index is 78, which is 22% below the national average of 100. Hattiesburg is one of the more affordable US cities.
Explore Hattiesburg in Depth
Nearby Cities to Compare
6% more expensive than Hattiesburg
2% more expensive than Hattiesburg
5% more expensive than Hattiesburg
19% more expensive than Hattiesburg
12% more expensive than Hattiesburg
14% more expensive than Hattiesburg