Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $816 in Mississippi versus $889 in New Mexico. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than New Mexico, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $43,238 in Mississippi and $65,604 in New Mexico — about 34% higher in New Mexico. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax; New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Mississippi vs New Mexico — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or New Mexico?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $816 runs about 8% below New Mexico's $889, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Mississippi than in New Mexico?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $33,000 a year in Mississippi versus $36,000 in New Mexico.
- Which has lower taxes, Mississippi or New Mexico?
- Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax. New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Mississippi/New Mexico — 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.