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.
Direct Answer
Living alone in Hattiesburg, MS costs about $2,617 per month. A single person needs roughly $44,863 in gross annual income for essentials, while $53,835 gives a more comfortable budget with savings room.
Hattiesburg is 22% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
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 $704/month, which accounts for 27% 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 | $704 | 27% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $222 | 8% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $109 | 4% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $294 | 11% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $162 | 6% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $522 | 20% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $51 | 2% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $60 | 2% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $195 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $117 | 4% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $62 | 2% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $74 | 3% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 2% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $2,617 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Hattiesburg?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Hattiesburg:
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 $522/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $53,835 salary, aim for $1,660 needs, $996 wants, $664 savings per month.