Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $841 in Mississippi. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $44,140 in Mississippi — about 43% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
7%
+1.4 pp in Mississippi
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
4.00%
+1.5 pp in Mississippi
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$841
+33% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$153,600
+58% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$44,140
+43% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
66.1°F
+9.0°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Mississippi — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Mississippi?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $841 runs about 33% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Mississippi?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $34,000 in Mississippi.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Mississippi?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Arizona/Mississippi — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.