Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $841 in Mississippi versus $758 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Mississippi, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,140 in Mississippi and $43,146 in West Virginia — about 2% higher in Mississippi. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax; West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% 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 West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $758 runs about 10% below Mississippi's $841, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Mississippi than in West Virginia?
- 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 $30,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Mississippi or West Virginia?
- Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax. West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Mississippi/West Virginia — 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.