B-
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
52%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Madison Mississippi National
Cost of living11083100
Goods & Services9592100
Groceries9997100
Health care10298100
Housing15263100
Transportation8188100
Utilities8386100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Madison, MS

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Madison is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Madison is 110, which is 10% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Madison cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 52.3% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Madison?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 6 residents in Madison to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 67% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 33% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Madison Affordable?

Is Madison affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Madison, the median home price is 46.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 65% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Madison boasting a median household income of $119,855, 116.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Madison?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Madison, the transportation index stands at 19.5% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Madison, the utilities index stands at 17.5% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Madison cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Madison Area
Search Homes for Sale in Madison, MS

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Madison is 32% higher than the Mississippi average
  • The cost of living in Madison is 10% higher than the national average
  • Madison housing is 52% higher than the national average
  • Mississippi general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Mississippi state income tax is 93% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Madison

See all the best places to live around Madison

Compare Madison, MS Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Madison?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Madison?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Madison poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$124,405$10,367$2,903$3,733
      Renters$51,731$4,311$1,207$1,552
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Madison, MS, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Madison have a median income of $124,405. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,903 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $51,731, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,207.

      Mississippi Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Mississippi 7% 7.25%

      Mississippi Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Mississippi 5% 5%

      Goods & Services

      Item Madison National avg. Difference
      Haircut $22.50$24.267.3%
      Beauty Salon $41.67$45.568.6%
      Toothpaste $3.62$3.702.1%
      Shampoo $1.24$1.283.2%
      Movie $13.59$12.1312.0%
      Bowling $20.00$18.0011.1%

      Groceries

      Item Madison National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.19$5.846.0%
      Fried Chicken $1.67$1.576.4%
      Milk $4.64$4.670.8%
      Potatoes $5.10$4.933.3%
      Pizza $12.66$12.094.7%
      Beer $9.66$10.417.2%

      Health Care

      Item Madison National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $106.25$125.6815.5%
      Doctor $134.71$135.780.8%
      Dentist $121.33$113.297.1%
      Ibuprofen $10.31$10.653.2%
      Lipitor $495.95$468.605.8%

      Housing

      Item Madison National avg. Difference
      Home Price $271,100.00$184,700.0046.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,763.83$2,346.6924.8%
      Apartment Rent $1,566.00$949.0065.0%

      Transportation

      Item Madison National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.02$3.4612.7%
      Tire Balancing $38.33$59.9236.0%

      Utilities

      Item Madison National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $141.59$193.9927.0%
      Phone $187.62$192.252.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kearney Park, MS1,1677921.4%
      Bentonia, MS3637920.5%
      Jackson, MS163,7788317.0%
      Canton, MS11,9438415.9%
      Flora, MS2,3538812.0%
      Madison, MS25,65011010.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fairland, MD25,64913231.7%
      Moscow, ID25,6521087.5%
      Ruskin, FL25,640991.4%
      South Portland, ME25,66511919.1%
      Soledad, CA25,66714040.2%
      Madison, MS25,65011010.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.