Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $841 in Mississippi. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 13% cheaper on rent than Michigan, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $44,140 in Mississippi — about 33% higher in Michigan. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 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
6%
7%
+1.0 pp in Mississippi
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
4.00%
+0.3 pp in Michigan
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$841
+13% in Michigan
Median Home Value
$225,500
$153,600
+32% in Michigan
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$44,140
+33% in Michigan
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
66.1°F
+17.0°F in Mississippi
Michigan vs Mississippi — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Mississippi?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $841 runs about 13% below Michigan's $964, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Michigan 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 $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $34,000 in Mississippi.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Mississippi?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 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 Michigan/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.