Mississippi vs Tennessee Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$87,209
in Mississippi
$83,241
in Tennessee
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 | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 71.6 | 82.4 | -13% |
| Groceries | 95.5 | 96.8 | -1% |
| Utilities | 89.4 | 88.1 | +1% |
| Transportation | 88.3 | 88.7 | 0% |
| Healthcare | 94.3 | 86.4 | +9% |
| Dining & Misc | 91.8 | 95.3 | -4% |
| Overall | 86.0 | 90.1 | -5% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Mississippi.
What things actually cost
| Item | Mississippi | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $175,000 | $310,000 | $135,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,002/mo | $1,154/mo | $152 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.14/gal | $0.09 |
| Electric bill | $97/mo | $97/mo | +$0 |
| Infant childcare | $6,868/yr | $12,249/yr | $5,381 |
Salary equivalent: Mississippi → Tennessee
What a Mississippi salary buys you in Tennessee, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Mississippi | Equivalent in Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,384 | $-2,384 |
| $75,000 | $78,576 | $-3,576 |
| $100,000 | $104,767 | $-4,767 |
| $150,000 | $157,151 | $-7,151 |
| $200,000 | $209,535 | $-9,535 |
Positive = your money goes further in Tennessee. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Tennessee is 5% more expensive than Mississippi overall. Tennessee has an index of 90.1 vs 86 for Mississippi (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or Tennessee?
Mississippi is cheaper to live in. Tennessee is 5% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $175,000 in Mississippi vs $310,000 in Tennessee.
Is Mississippi cheaper than Tennessee?
Yes, Mississippi is 5% cheaper than Tennessee overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Tennessee more expensive than Mississippi?
Yes, Tennessee 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 Tennessee equals $100,000 in Mississippi?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Mississippi, you would need approximately $104,767 in Tennessee. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (86 vs 90.1).
How do housing costs compare between Mississippi and Tennessee?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Mississippi. Median home prices are $175,000 in Mississippi vs $310,000 in Tennessee — a $135,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,002/mo vs $1,154/mo.
What costs more in Mississippi vs Tennessee?
Housing is 13% lower in Mississippi (index 71.6 vs 82.4). Healthcare is 9% higher in Mississippi (index 94.3 vs 86.4). Dining & Misc is 4% lower in Mississippi (index 91.8 vs 95.3).
Is gas cheaper in Mississippi or Tennessee?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Mississippi and $3.14/gallon in Tennessee — a $0.09 difference per gallon.
Mississippi vs Tennessee cost of living — how do they compare?
Mississippi has an overall cost-of-living index of 86 and Tennessee has 90.1 (national average = 100). Tennessee is 5% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Tennessee?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Mississippi vs Tennessee 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
- Mississippi Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Tennessee Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Mississippi vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Mississippi — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Tennessee — 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.