Living Alone in Hattiesburg, MS: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Hattiesburg. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
A
$929/month
Hattiesburg is 22% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
$15,926
Minimum Salary Needed
$19,111
Comfortable Salary
$325
Essential Costs
$604
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Hattiesburg Look Like?
Hattiesburg is a mid-size city in the South with a population of 48,985 and a median household income of $34,217. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $66/month, which accounts for 7% of your total monthly spend. With costs running 22% below average, you can stretch a modest salary further here than in most major metros.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $66 | 7% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $19 | 2% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $9 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $25 | 3% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $162 | 17% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $44 | 5% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $51 | 5% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $60 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $195 | 21% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $117 | 13% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $62 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $74 | 8% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 5% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $929 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Hattiesburg?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Hattiesburg:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,538
monthly surplus
Save 62%
$50,000
gross annual
+$2,154
monthly surplus
Save 70%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,771
monthly surplus
Save 75%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,696
monthly surplus
Save 80%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,238
monthly surplus
Save 85%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,779
monthly surplus
Save 88%
Tips for Living Alone in Hattiesburg
- 💡 Housing: Hattiesburg's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $117/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: In a small-size city like Hattiesburg, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $78/month.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $44/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $19,111 salary, aim for $589 needs, $354 wants, $236 savings per month.
Explore More for Hattiesburg
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Hattiesburg?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Hattiesburg is $929, including $66 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$19 for groceries, and $9 for utilities. This is 22% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Hattiesburg?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $15,926 to cover basic living expenses alone in Hattiesburg. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $19,111.
Is Hattiesburg affordable for a single person?
Yes, Hattiesburg is more affordable than average for solo dwellers, with costs running 22% below the national median. This makes it a viable option even on a moderate income.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Hattiesburg?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 7% of the total monthly budget at $66/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($25) and groceries ($19).