Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,688 in California versus $816 in Mississippi. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 52% cheaper on rent than California, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $83,969 in California and $43,238 in Mississippi — about 49% higher in California. California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% state sales tax; Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
California vs Mississippi — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in California or Mississippi?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $816 runs about 52% below California's $1,688, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in California 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 $68,000 a year in California versus $33,000 in Mississippi.
- Which has lower taxes, California or Mississippi?
- California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% 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 9/1 cities we track in California/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.