Planning on moving to Mississippi? You’re not alone! In 2022, the Hospitality State saw a net gain of over 12,000 new residents. With this growth, the state’s population has hit 2.96 million in 2024.
The Hospitality State has a robust job market with a low unemployment rate of just 2.9%. The average cost to live in Mississippi is $2,490 per month, which is 53.9% less expensive than the national average. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Mississippi
Mississippi is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to MS:
| # | Reasons to Move to MS | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Mississippi is 21.3% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Magnolia State aims to add 74,070 new jobs across different sectors. |
| 3. | Tax Benefits | The state of Mississippi fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Mississippi is 21.3% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to other southern states like Virginia and Maryland, where living costs are 4% and 11.8% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Mississippi’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Jackson | $86,000 | $1,036 | $44.9 | $226.54 | $541 |
| Gulfport | $214,900 | $1,400 | $40.4 | $138.70 | $475 |
| Southaven | $284,400 | $1,340 | $43.5 | $180.88 | $559 |
| Biloxi | $296,310 | $1,012 | $47.6 | $138.70 | $494 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Mississippi’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Hospitality State aims to add 74,070 new jobs by 2032.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This is the largest sector in Mississippi, accounting for 16% of the state’s employment. By 2032, it is expected to add 17,440 new jobs. Key roles in this industry include Ambulatory Health Care Services, with 5,070 new jobs, and Social Assistance, with 7,510 new jobs.
- Manufacturing: Ranked as the #3 fastest-growing industry in the state, the manufacturing sector is projected to employ over 158,080 individuals by 2032. Major employers in this sector include Toyota, Edelbrock, and KOHLER.
- Construction: This sector is expected to grow by 17.3% by 2032, bringing the total employment in this sector to 54,170. There is a high demand for Specialty Trade Contractors, with an expected job growth of 20.9%.
- Transportation & Warehousing: This sector is projected to employ 75,150 people by 2032. The highest demand is for Warehousing and Storage roles, which are expected to grow by 26.3%. Key employers include Royal Trucking Company and Big M Transportation.
3. Tax Benefits
The Hospitality State has a flat individual income tax of 4.7%, with plans to reduce it further to 4.4% in 2025 and 4% by 2026. In addition, Mississippi fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax. The state also does not have an estate tax or inheritance tax.
Mississippi also has one of the lowest property taxes in the US at 0.79%. Additionally, homeowners aged 65 and older, or those who are fully disabled, qualify for an exemption of up to $7,500 of their home’s assessed value.
Cost of Moving to Mississippi 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to MS:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $421 to $3,508
Moving to Mississippi involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Movers in Mississippi typically cost $105 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Mississippi.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Mississippi.
- When relocating to Mississippi, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in MS is around $412/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Mississippi. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in MS is $14. A standard title fee is $9.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Hospitality State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Biloxi, the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $1,500.
- However, if you plan to buy, make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Mississippi in your budget. Popular neighborhoods like Oxford have a median home price of $474K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Natchez is $166K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Mississippi ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to MS, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Mississippi neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
