Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $816 in Mississippi versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $43,238 in Mississippi and $83,857 in Washington — about 48% higher in Washington. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
6.5%
+0.5 pp in Mississippi
Income Tax (top rate)
4.00%
None
+4.0 pp in Mississippi
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$816
$1,332
+63% in Washington
Median Home Value
$108,200
$454,600
+320% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$43,238
$83,857
+94% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
65.3°F
52.1°F
+13.2°F in Mississippi
Mississippi vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or Washington?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $816 runs about 39% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Mississippi than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Mississippi or Washington?
- Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Mississippi/Washington — 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.