Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $841 in Mississippi versus $1,113 in South Carolina. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than South Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,140 in Mississippi and $68,460 in South Carolina — about 36% higher in South Carolina. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax; South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Mississippi vs South Carolina — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or South Carolina?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $841 runs about 24% below South Carolina's $1,113, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Mississippi than in South Carolina?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $34,000 a year in Mississippi versus $45,000 in South Carolina.
- Which has lower taxes, Mississippi or South Carolina?
- Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Mississippi/South Carolina — 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.