Cost of Living in Meridian, MS
Population 34,466 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $34,657, median household incomes in Meridian land roughly 54% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Meridian lies roughly 90 miles east of the nearest major metro, Jackson — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. 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 Meridian
The median home value in Meridian is $100,800 — 67% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $865/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,657/year is 54% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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, Meridian has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Meridian, MS?
Meridian has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Meridian, MS?
The median gross rent in Meridian is $865 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Meridian?
The median home value in Meridian is $100,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Meridian?
The median household income in Meridian is $34,657 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Meridian, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Meridian is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Meridian, MS affordable?
Yes, Meridian is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
Meridian at a Glance
- Population
- 34,466
- Median Income
- $34,657
- Home Value
- $100,800
- Median Rent
- $865/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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