Cost of Living in Philadelphia, MS

Population 7,030 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023

42
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Philadelphia's median household income of $36,781 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (32% here). At 11.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Philadelphia is about 70 miles northeast of Jackson, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Jackson's $108,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 31
Rent 58

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Philadelphia

The median home value in Philadelphia is $95,600 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $760/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,781/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.2%, 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, Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$95,600
69% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$132,601
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$760/mo
42% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$770
1 BR
$802
2 BR
$933
3 BR
$1,238
4 BR
$1,321
Owner-occupied 65.3%
Renter-occupied 34.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$760
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,374/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
21.1 min
22% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.4%
Carpooled
12.8%
Walked
5.0%
Work from home
3.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.7%
Total Sales Tax 7.1%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 0.1%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$36,781
51% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,612
Unemployment Rate
11.2%
132% above avg
Poverty Rate
32.2%
Labor Force Participation
54.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.8%
Graduate degree 12.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.8
Male median age 42.6
Female median age 40.9

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

79.5%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.1:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
4,525
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, MS?

Philadelphia has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.

What is average rent in Philadelphia, MS?

The median gross rent in Philadelphia is $760 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Philadelphia?

The median home value in Philadelphia is $95,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Philadelphia?

The median household income in Philadelphia is $36,781 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Philadelphia, MS?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Philadelphia is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.

Is Philadelphia, MS affordable?

Yes, Philadelphia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.

Philadelphia at a Glance

Population
7,030
Median Income
$36,781
Home Value
$95,600
Median Rent
$760/mo
Unemployment
11.2%
Sales Tax
7.1%
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🗺️ County data for Mississippi

Explore county-level cost of living data

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