Cost of Living in Columbus, MS
Population 23,616 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $40,588, median household incomes in Columbus land roughly 46% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 55 miles west of Tuscaloosa, Columbus is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Tuscaloosa's $237,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Columbus
The median home value in Columbus is $121,200 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $882/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,588/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.3%, 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, Columbus has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
🏠 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 Columbus, MS?
Columbus has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbus, MS?
The median gross rent in Columbus is $882 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $121,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus is $40,588 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbus, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbus is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Columbus, MS affordable?
Yes, Columbus is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
Columbus at a Glance
- Population
- 23,616
- Median Income
- $40,588
- Home Value
- $121,200
- Median Rent
- $882/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.3%
- 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