10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Mississippi in 2024

Located in the heart of the South, Mississippi is well known for its southern hospitality, serene Gulf Coast, blues and bluegrass music scenes, and warm climate. If you’ve been considering moving to Mississippi or are hoping to relocate to a new city, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. When it comes to buying a home in Mississippi the median home sale price is $261,800. 

If that price is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has rounded up a list of 10 of the most affordable places to live in Mississippi – and they all have a median home sale price under $261,800. From Jackson to Tupelo, let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.

#1: Meridian

Median home price: $35,000
Average sale price per square foot: $36
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $750
Median household income: $31,198
Nearest major metro: Jackson (90 miles)
Meridian, MS homes for sale
Meridian, MS apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $35,000, Meridian claims the first spot on our list of affordable places to live in Mississippi. There are about 35,100 residents living in this mid-sized city. In Meridian, you can explore the 3,3000-acre Bonita Lakes Park where you’ll find three lakes and options to fish, horseback ride, or hike, visit the Dentzel Antique Carousel at Highland Park, or check out downtown.

#2: Hattiesburg

Median home price: $121,000
Average sale price per square foot: $90
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,077
Median household income: $41,024
Nearest major metro: Biloxi (75 miles)
Hattiesburg, MS homes for sale
Hattiesburg, MS apartments for rent

The second city to make the list is Hattiesburg, with a median home sale price of $121,000. Hattiesburg is home to 48,400 residents, making it a smaller area to call home. The city is full of charm with its quaint downtown where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum. There are plenty of places to explore such as the African American Military History Museum, the Hattiesburg Zoo, and Paul B Johnson State Park.

#3: Greenville

Median home price: $132,250
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $715
Median household income: $32,066
Nearest major metro: Memphis, TN (110 miles)
Greenville, MS homes for sale
Greenville, MS apartments for rent

Next is the city of Greenville, which has about 29,700 residents. The median home sale price is $132,250 which is about $130K less than the median home sale price in Mississippi. If you find yourself moving here, explore the Greenville Cypress Preserve Trust or grab a meal at one of the local restaurants.

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#4: Jackson

Median home price: $150,650
Average sale price per square foot: $92
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,445
Median household income: $39,969
Jackson, MS homes for sale
Jackson, MS apartments for rent

Taking the fourth spot on our list of affordable cities to live in Mississippi is Jackson. When living in this city of 153,700 people, you can visit the historic Mississippi State Capitol and explore the Mynelle Gardens Arboretum & Botanical Center. There are plenty of museums to check out so make sure to see the exhibits at Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Eudora Welty House and Garden.

#5: Starkville

Median home price: $160,000
Average sale price per square foot: $131
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $860
Median household income: $36,076
Nearest major metro: Tuscaloosa, AL (85 miles)
Starkville, MS homes for sale
Starkville, MS apartments for rent

Home to 25,400 people, the city of Starkville is a great affordable option if you’re looking to be close to nature. The area is conveniently located near the Tombigbee National Forest and the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, both great areas for hiking and wildlife watching. Starkville is also next to Mississippi State University, so you’ll find lots of events throughout the year. The city also has a lot of local restaurants, shops, and galleries. 

#6: Gulfport

Median home price: $214,500
Average sale price per square foot: $133
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $969
Median household income: $60,461
Gulfport, MS homes for sale
Gulfport, MS apartments for rent

Located along the Gulf of Mexico is our sixth spot, Gulfport. This waterfront city has about 72,800 and the home prices are about $45K less than the state’s average. There’s plenty to check out in Gulfport, like visiting the Mississippi Aquarium, spending the afternoon at the beach, and stopping by the iconic Fishbone Alley. You can also find many local restaurants serving fresh seafood, perfect for ending the day.

#7: Horn Lake

Median home price: $220,500
Average sale price per square foot: $153
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,334
Median household income: $39,969
Nearest major metro: Memphis, TN (18 miles)
Horn Lake, MS homes for sale
Horn Lake, MS apartments for rent

Another great area to add to your list of affordable places to live in Mississippi is Horn Lake. Home to 26,700 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. In Horn Lake, you can check out one of the beautiful parks in town or grab a meal at a local restaurant.

#8: Clinton

Median home price: $235,000
Average sale price per square foot: $128
Median household income: $71,315
Nearest major metro: Jackson (15 miles)
Clinton, MS homes for sale
Clinton, MS apartments for rent

A suburb of Jackson, Clinton is the eighth city on our list. The area has about 26,700 residents, so it’s a smaller alternative to Jackson. You can find lots of parks in Clinton, such as Traceway Park, Brighton Park, and Buddy Butts Park. Clinton is also home to Mississippi College, so there’s always something going on in the city. 

#9: Tupelo

Median home price: $249,250
Average sale price per square foot: $172
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $995
Median household income: $39,969
Nearest major metro: Memphis, TN (100 miles)
Tupelo, MS homes for sale
Tupelo, MS apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Clinton is none other than Tupelo, most well known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. With roughly 37,900 residents in Tupelo, make sure to visit historic sites like the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Tupelo National Battlefield, check out the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, and explore downtown Tupelo’s Main Street.

#10: Pearl

Median home price: $257,500
Average sale price per square foot: $147
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $807
Median household income: $54,615
Nearest major metro: Jackson (5 miles)
Pearl, MS homes for sale
Pearl, MS apartments for rent

Tenth on the list is another well-known city, Pearl, the last of our affordable places to live in Mississippi. The median home sale price is about $4K less than the state’s average. With roughly 27,100 people calling Pearl home, it’s a great area to consider moving to this year. Make sure to watch a baseball game at Trustmark Park, check out the shops and restaurants in town, or golf at one of the courses. No matter what neighborhood you move to in Pearl, you won’t get tired of exploring this city.

Methodology: All cities must have over 25,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Mississippi. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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