Cost of Living in Starkville, MS
Population 25,611 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Starkville run well below national norms — a median of $39,751 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs and rents do not fully compensate for the earnings difference. A poverty rate near 33% 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.
Starkville lies roughly 75 miles west 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 12% higher than Tuscaloosa's $237,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Starkville
The median home value in Starkville is $265,900 — 13% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $875/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,751/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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, Starkville has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% 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 Starkville, MS?
Starkville has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Starkville, MS?
The median gross rent in Starkville is $875 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Starkville?
The median home value in Starkville is $265,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Starkville?
The median household income in Starkville is $39,751 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Starkville, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Starkville is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Starkville, MS affordable?
Yes, Starkville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
Starkville at a Glance
- Population
- 25,611
- Median Income
- $39,751
- Home Value
- $265,900
- Median Rent
- $875/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs