Cost of Living in Ocean Springs, MS
Population 18,561 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Ocean Springs a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $235,000.
Located 45 miles west of Mobile, Ocean Springs falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Mobile's $170,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ocean Springs
The median home value in Ocean Springs is $235,100 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,364/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,929/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below 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, Ocean Springs has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% 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 Ocean Springs, MS?
Ocean Springs has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ocean Springs, MS?
The median gross rent in Ocean Springs is $1,364 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ocean Springs?
The median home value in Ocean Springs is $235,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ocean Springs?
The median household income in Ocean Springs is $78,929 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ocean Springs, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ocean Springs is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Ocean Springs, MS affordable?
Yes, Ocean Springs is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
Ocean Springs at a Glance
- Population
- 18,561
- Median Income
- $78,929
- Home Value
- $235,100
- Median Rent
- $1,364/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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