Mississippi vs South Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$87,209
in Mississippi
$80,906
in South Carolina
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 | Mississippi | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 71.6 | 80.6 | -11% |
| Groceries | 95.5 | 99.0 | -4% |
| Utilities | 89.4 | 96.9 | -8% |
| Transportation | 88.3 | 96.4 | -8% |
| Healthcare | 94.3 | 94.2 | 0% |
| Dining & Misc | 91.8 | 98.2 | -7% |
| Overall | 86.0 | 92.7 | -7% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Mississippi.
What things actually cost
| Item | Mississippi | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $175,000 | $285,000 | $110,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,002/mo | $1,128/mo | $126 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.16 |
| Electric bill | $97/mo | $97/mo | +$0 |
| Infant childcare | $6,868/yr | $11,512/yr | $4,644 |
Salary equivalent: Mississippi → South Carolina
What a Mississippi salary buys you in South Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Mississippi | Equivalent in South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,895 | $-3,895 |
| $75,000 | $80,843 | $-5,843 |
| $100,000 | $107,791 | $-7,791 |
| $150,000 | $161,686 | $-11,686 |
| $200,000 | $215,581 | $-15,581 |
Positive = your money goes further in South Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
South Carolina is 7% more expensive than Mississippi overall. South Carolina has an index of 92.7 vs 86 for Mississippi (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or South Carolina?
Mississippi is cheaper to live in. South Carolina is 7% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $175,000 in Mississippi vs $285,000 in South Carolina.
Is Mississippi cheaper than South Carolina?
Yes, Mississippi is 7% cheaper than South Carolina overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is South Carolina more expensive than Mississippi?
Yes, South Carolina is 7% more expensive than Mississippi based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in South Carolina equals $100,000 in Mississippi?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Mississippi, you would need approximately $107,791 in South Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (86 vs 92.7).
How do housing costs compare between Mississippi and South Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Mississippi. Median home prices are $175,000 in Mississippi vs $285,000 in South Carolina — a $110,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,002/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in Mississippi vs South Carolina?
Housing is 11% lower in Mississippi (index 71.6 vs 80.6). Transportation is 8% lower in Mississippi (index 88.3 vs 96.4). Utilities is 8% lower in Mississippi (index 89.4 vs 96.9).
Is gas cheaper in Mississippi or South Carolina?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Mississippi and $3.21/gallon in South Carolina — a $0.16 difference per gallon.
Mississippi vs South Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Mississippi has an overall cost-of-living index of 86 and South Carolina has 92.7 (national average = 100). South Carolina is 7% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and South Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Mississippi has a flat income tax rate of 4.00% for 2026, reduced from 4.40% in 2025. South Carolina restructured its income tax in 2026 under H.4216 to two brackets: 1.99% on income up to $30,000 and 5.21% above $30,000, down from a 6.0% top rate in 2025. Use the Mississippi vs South Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Mississippi and South Carolina?
Mississippi requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. South Carolina requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
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
- Mississippi Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Mississippi vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- Mississippi Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Mississippi
- South Carolina Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in South Carolina
- Salary After Tax by State — Take-home rankings across all 50 states
- House Affordability in Mississippi — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Mississippi Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- South Carolina Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Mississippi Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- South Carolina Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- 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.