Cost of Living in Waveland, MS
Population 7,066 · Mississippi · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Waveland a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $202,000. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Waveland is about 35 miles northeast of New Orleans, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than New Orleans' $296,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waveland
The median home value in Waveland is $201,800 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $828/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,795/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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, Waveland has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
Waveland has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waveland, MS?
Waveland has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waveland, MS?
The median gross rent in Waveland is $828 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waveland?
The median home value in Waveland is $201,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waveland?
The median household income in Waveland is $58,795 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waveland, MS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waveland is 7.1%. The Mississippi state income tax top rate is 4.7%.
Is Waveland, MS affordable?
Yes, Waveland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
Waveland at a Glance
- Population
- 7,066
- Median Income
- $58,795
- Home Value
- $201,800
- Median Rent
- $828/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 7.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Mississippi Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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