Arkansas vs Mississippi Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,241
in Arkansas
$87,209
in Mississippi
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arkansas | Mississippi | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 78.8 | 71.6 | +10% |
| Groceries | 94.3 | 95.5 | -1% |
| Utilities | 94.3 | 89.4 | +5% |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 88.3 | +3% |
| Healthcare | 87.3 | 94.3 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.5 | 91.8 | +6% |
| Overall | 90.1 | 86.0 | +5% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arkansas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arkansas | Mississippi | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $175,000 | +$20,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,103/mo | $1,002/mo | +$101 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.05/gal | $0.00 |
| Electric bill | $85/mo | $97/mo | $12 |
| Infant childcare | $8,873/yr | $6,868/yr | +$2,005 |
Salary equivalent: Arkansas → Mississippi
What a Arkansas salary buys you in Mississippi, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arkansas | Equivalent in Mississippi | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,725 | +$2,275 |
| $75,000 | $71,587 | +$3,413 |
| $100,000 | $95,450 | +$4,550 |
| $150,000 | $143,174 | +$6,826 |
| $200,000 | $190,899 | +$9,101 |
Positive = your money goes further in Mississippi. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Arkansas is 5% more expensive than Mississippi overall. Arkansas has an index of 90.1 vs 86 for Mississippi (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Mississippi?
Mississippi is cheaper to live in. Arkansas is 5% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $175,000 in Mississippi.
Is Mississippi cheaper than Arkansas?
Yes, Mississippi is 5% cheaper than Arkansas overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Arkansas more expensive than Mississippi?
Yes, Arkansas is 5% more expensive than Mississippi based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Mississippi equals $100,000 in Arkansas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arkansas, you would need approximately $95,450 in Mississippi. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (90.1 vs 86).
How do housing costs compare between Arkansas and Mississippi?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Mississippi. Median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $175,000 in Mississippi — a $20,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,103/mo vs $1,002/mo.
What costs more in Arkansas vs Mississippi?
Housing is 10% higher in Arkansas (index 78.8 vs 71.6). Healthcare is 7% lower in Arkansas (index 87.3 vs 94.3). Dining & Misc is 6% higher in Arkansas (index 97.5 vs 91.8).
Is gas cheaper in Arkansas or Mississippi?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Arkansas and $3.05/gallon in Mississippi — a $0.00 difference per gallon.
Arkansas vs Mississippi cost of living — how do they compare?
Arkansas has an overall cost-of-living index of 90.1 and Mississippi has 86 (national average = 100). Arkansas is 5% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Mississippi?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Arkansas vs Mississippi paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arkansas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Mississippi Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arkansas vs Mississippi Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arkansas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Mississippi — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.