Cost of Living in Tupelo, MS
Population 37,825 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Tupelo offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $201,000 — costs less than 3 times median household income of $66,314, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Geographically, Tupelo lies roughly 90 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Memphis. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Tupelo
The median home value in Tupelo is $201,300 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $940/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,314/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 74.3°F and lows of 52.8°F, with about 1.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Tupelo has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 53 | 58 | 66 | 75 | 83 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 87 | 77 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 34 | 37 | 44 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.82 | 5.29 | 5.37 | 5.51 | 5.22 | 5.01 | 4.50 | 4.07 | 3.57 | 3.96 | 4.48 | 5.94 |
| Snow" | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
💨 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 Tupelo, MS?
Tupelo has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Tupelo, MS?
The median gross rent in Tupelo is $940 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Tupelo?
The median home value in Tupelo is $201,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Tupelo?
The median household income in Tupelo is $66,314 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Tupelo, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Tupelo is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Tupelo, MS affordable?
Yes, Tupelo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Tupelo?
Tupelo has average high temperatures of 74.3°F and average lows of 52.8°F. Annual precipitation is 57.7". Average annual snowfall is 1.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Tupelo at a Glance
- Population
- 37,825
- Median Income
- $66,314
- Home Value
- $201,300
- Median Rent
- $940/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.3°F
- 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