Cost of Living in Houston, MS
Population 3,757 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $36,667, median household incomes in Houston land roughly 51% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 26% 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.
Houston lies roughly 95 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Tuscaloosa — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. 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 Houston
The median home value in Houston is $121,300 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $720/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,667/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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, Houston has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.
Houston 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 Houston, MS?
Houston has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Houston, MS?
The median gross rent in Houston is $720 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Houston?
The median home value in Houston is $121,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Houston?
The median household income in Houston is $36,667 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Houston, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Houston is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Houston, MS affordable?
Yes, Houston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
Houston at a Glance
- Population
- 3,757
- Median Income
- $36,667
- Home Value
- $121,300
- Median Rent
- $720/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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