Cost of Living in Columbia, MS
Population 5,804 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $34,328, median household incomes in Columbia land roughly 54% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 24% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Columbia lies roughly 75 miles south of the nearest major metro, Jackson. Housing prices track closely with Jackson's $108,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Columbia
The median home value in Columbia is $112,100 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $656/month, 50% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,328/year is 54% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Mississippi's top state income tax rate is 4.7% and the combined sales tax is 7.1%. Overall, Columbia has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.
Columbia has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MS?
Columbia has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbia, MS?
The median gross rent in Columbia is $656 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia is $112,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia is $34,328 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbia, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbia is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Columbia, MS affordable?
Yes, Columbia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.
Columbia at a Glance
- Population
- 5,804
- Median Income
- $34,328
- Home Value
- $112,100
- Median Rent
- $656/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs