Cost of Living in Oxford, MS
Population 26,086 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 31 and an unusually high bachelor's-degree rate of 30%, Oxford is shaped heavily by its student population. That also means median household incomes of $59,901 skew low — the count includes students — while working-household figures run considerably higher. Around 27% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Oxford is about 60 miles southeast of Memphis, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 112% higher than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oxford
The median home value in Oxford is $333,400 — 9% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,093/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,901/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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, Oxford has a cost of living index of 99 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% 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 Oxford, MS?
Oxford has a cost index of 99 (100 = national average). It is 1% below the national average.
What is average rent in Oxford, MS?
The median gross rent in Oxford is $1,093 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oxford?
The median home value in Oxford is $333,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oxford?
The median household income in Oxford is $59,901 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oxford, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oxford is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Oxford, MS affordable?
Oxford is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 99 (100 = US average).
Oxford at a Glance
- Population
- 26,086
- Median Income
- $59,901
- Home Value
- $333,400
- Median Rent
- $1,093/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.7%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
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