Salary Needed to Live in Hattiesburg as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $101,640/year to live comfortably in Hattiesburg, MS, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $101,640/year to live comfortably in Hattiesburg, MS. The bare-minimum salary is $81,312/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,203.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,082/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $8,470/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$101,640
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$81,312
$6,776/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,082
29% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Hattiesburg
| Expense | Hattiesburg | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,307 | $2,509 | -48% |
| Groceries | $566 | $528 | +7% |
| Utilities | $218 | $337 | -35% |
| Transportation | $490 | $526 | -7% |
| Car Insurance | $162 | $223 | -27% |
| Health Insurance | $522 | $672 | -22% |
| Childcare/After-school | $936 | $1,200 | -22% |
| Internet + Phones | $140 | $180 | -22% |
| Children Activities | $195 | $250 | -22% |
| Dining Out | $273 | $350 | -22% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $156 | $200 | -22% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $117 | $150 | -22% |
| Total Monthly | $5,082 | $7,125 | -29% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,082
Target savings (15%):$1,121/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,203
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$101,640
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,307
3BR Apartment/House rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus MS state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,121/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
78/100
Hattiesburg is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby south Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,307/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $1,817/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $81,312/year as the survival floor and $101,640/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Hattiesburg
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Hattiesburg?
A family with kids needs approximately $101,640/year ($8,470/month gross) to live comfortably in Hattiesburg with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Hattiesburg?
A 3br apartment/house in Hattiesburg costs approximately $1,307/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Hattiesburg affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Hattiesburg is 29% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.