One of the jewels of the Gulf Coast, Mississippi is a little bit southern, a little bit bayou and a whole lot affordable.
The Magnolia State is between Alabama on its eastern side and Louisiana/Arkansas on the west. This prime real estate on the Gulf of Mexico means that the Mississippi coast is totally covered in pristine, sandy white beaches that people flock to from all over the country.
Mississippi is also considered a historic centerpiece of the country, some of it noble, some not so much. Either way, there’s plenty to learn from and celebrate when it comes to this beautiful stretch of countryside.
Mississippi average rent prices
Despite all that beachfront property, Mississippi remains one of the most affordable states to call home. The average one-bedroom rental price in “The Mud-waddler State” (not kidding) is $883 per month. That’s a price increase of 10 percent from this time last year, though, so maybe get in while the getting is still good and cheap. You never know when gentrification will send prices sky-high.
The cheapest cities in Mississippi for renters
Renters needn’t worry about paying ridiculous rent prices for a unit in Mississippi. Still, some places are more affordable than others, so it literally pays to do a little legwork to find the perfect balance of cheap and homey. Read on to discover which cities are the cheapest places to live in Mississippi.
10. Bay Saint Louis
Source: Rent.com/Manor House Apartments
- Average 1-BR rent price: $809
- Average rent change in the past year: +9.99%
First on our countdown is the city of Bay Saint Louis, which, as you can imagine, is on a body of water called — wait for it — Bay Saint Louis. Residents of the aptly named city obviously enjoy access to the beaches, but also unspoiled gems like Bayou La Croix Coastal Preserve and Jordan River Coastal Preserve. The average one-bedroom unit in Bay Saint Louis will set you back $809 per month right now, a nearly 10 percent increase since last year.
The area’s almost 10,000 residents (and their visitors) enjoy recreational access to charter fishing expeditions and beautifully tended golf courses. It also features a quaint downtown filled with art galleries, antique shops, boutiques and delicious dining options. It can be hard to choose from such seafood-laden menus, so when in doubt, take our word for it and get the po’boy.
9. Hattiesburg
- Average 1-BR rent price: $797
- Average rent change in the past year: -10.97%
Hattiesburg architecture might look like something out of a Civil War-era film, but the city has come a long way since those days. With a population north of 45,000 people, this city is one of the largest on our list and is hallmarked by a diverse, friendly population. The average one-bedroom rental in Hattiesburg has dropped nearly 11 percent in the last year, bringing it to just under $800 a month, so it’s a good time to make a move!
Further inland than some of the cities on this list (about 70 miles from the coast), Hattiesburg residents nonetheless enjoy access to nature’s finest like the DeSoto National Forest, which is just around the corner. Longleaf Trace is another popular spot for hikers, bikers, skaters and walkers, thanks to its whopping 44 miles of paved and tended trails.
Downtown Hattiesburg is a particular hotspot, thanks to its dining and nightlife scene. The area also hosts tons of events, including “Downtown Summer Tunes.” If a little bit of historical enrichment is what you’re after, stroll the streets to take in some pretty impressive architecture, or stop by the African American Military History Museum.
8. Gulfport
- Average 1-BR rent price: $794
- Average rent change in the past year: +1.09%
The city of Gulfport is the second-largest in the state, behind only the capital city of Jackson. At under $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, the city gives great value in terms of things to do and general ambiance. Rent is up by 1.09 percent since last year.
On the more practical front, Gulfport boasts easy access to an international airport. It’s also a hub of all things ocean-related, such as the Mississippi Aquarium and the Ocean Adventures Marine Park. The conservation-minded Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is a must-visit.
Although Gulfport is a bit west of the major gambling center that is Biloxi, this city has its own local options, like the Island View Casino. Don’t forget to stop by the “World’s Largest Rocker” for a photo! It’s exactly what it sounds like, and is totally worth the novelty photo.
7. Robinsonville
Source: Rent.com/The Crossings at Tunica
- Average 1-BR rent price: $784
- Average rent change in the past year: N/A
Way up on the northern end of Mississippi is the city of Robinsonville, which is probably best known for Tunica Resorts. In fact, the two names pretty much go hand-in-hand. In addition to Tunica National Golf & Tennis, there are what feels like a million casinos to choose from. It’s safe to say that a large chunk of the population at any time is not locals, since there are less than 2,000 permanent residents in the area. Currently, a one-bedroom unit averages $784 a month, with no change for better or worse over the last year.
Tunica/Robinsonville is also a hotbed for sports-related betting. If that’s not your game, however, stop by Downtown Tunica and take in beautifully preserved and restored buildings that house everything from antique shops to chic boutiques. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the calendar for one of the area’s many festivals and other events! Fans of the blues should also make a point to stop by the Gateway to the Blues Museum on the regular.
6. Biloxi
- Average 1-BR rent price: $760
- Average rent change in the past year: -1.77%
Back down on the coast is the city of Biloxi, best known for its sandy beaches and bumping gambling scene. You’ll know you’ve made it there when you see the beloved Biloxi Lighthouse, an actual cast-iron landmark that symbolizes similar strength and resolve among the flood-plagued community. A one-bedroom rental is $760 per month currently, down 1.77 percent since last year.
First, the casinos. There are a lot, including the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Harrah’s Gulf Coast and many more. On a completely different spectrum is the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, which highlights the industry’s importance to the area. A brand-new version opened in 2014 after Hurricane Katrina devastated the original.
Residents also routinely stop by the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, which pays homage to the hundreds of lives lost during the tragedy. The installation even includes personal effects owned by victims of the storm and flooding.
5. Columbus
- Average 1-BR rent price: $717
- Average rent change in the past year: -3.38%
A mere stone’s throw from Alabama is the eastern Mississippi city of Columbus. Known as “The Friendly City,” Columbus is home to about 25,000 people. It’s even getting a bit cheaper to live there, with rent on a one-bedroom apartment down about 3.38 percent since last year. It’s mega-affordable compared with the rest of the country, at an average of $717 a month.
Columbus is especially proud of its picturesque Riverwalk along the Tombigbee, which opened in 2005 and features 4.4 miles of trails. Trail users can easily enjoy lots of park amenities, as well as access to a butterfly garden and the Columbus Soccer Complex. There’s also an event space, which regularly hosts outdoor concerts.
Given its location, Columbus is not surprisingly a hot spot for themed tours to do with architecture, Native American history, African-American heritage and the Civil War. There’s a strong military presence in the city, thanks to Columbus Air Force Base. And Main Street Columbus is a must-visit thanks to its many shops, restaurants and events, like Wassail Fest, Art Walk Downtown, Sounds of Summer and the Market Street Festival.
4. Meridian
- Average 1-BR rent price: $658
- Average rent change in the past year: -0.83%
Another one near the Alabama border is the “Queen City” of Meridian, which has over 36,000 residents. The first on our list of the cheapest cities for renters is Mississippi under the $700 a month rent mark, prices are down 0.83 percent since this time last year.
There’s plenty to do for people of all ages in this quaint city. The 21-and-up Meridian Activity Center boasts classes for all types of exercise and crafts, including yoga, Zumba, sewing, crocheting, quilting and even heirloom sewing. There’s also a ceramics studio on site!
Meridian is also home to the state’s largest fully-inclusive playground, designed for children “of all abilities.” Jeannie’s Place at Planet Playground even includes a swing created for kids and adults in wheelchairs! Dunn’s Falls, the Jimmie Rogers Museum and The Dentzel Antique Carousel at Highland Park are other popular attractions. Then, of course, there’s Battlefield Dragstrip and Whynot Motorsports Park for those with a flair for all things engine-related.
3. Vicksburg
- Average 1-BR rent price: $570
- Average rent change in the past year: +5.67%
Modern Vicksburg is a far cry from what you read in those dusty old history books. Still, it maintains historic beauty and charm that’s hard to beat. Vicksburg’s price point is a significant drop from even Meridian, at just $570 a month for the average one-bedroom rental. However, that’s an increase of nearly 6 percent since last year, so it’s possible that word’s getting out about Vicksburg being a great place to live.
Known as the Civil War battle site of the 47-day long Siege of Vicksburg, this city is on the western side of the state. It’s commemorated within Vicksburg National Military Park, which includes the Vicksburg National Cemetery. There’s even a restored gunboat and museum on site. Kids can enjoy park ranger events, and even dogs can earn their B.A.R.K. ranger badge! There’s plenty of non-war stuff to do in Vicksburg, too. The city loves its riverfront casinos, breweries and surprisingly diverse spread of art galleries.
2. McComb
- Average 1-BR rent price: $556
- Average rent change in the past year: -18.07%
Prices are dropping in the southern Mississippi city of McComb, which is 80 miles south of Jackson and 100 miles north of New Orleans. A one-bedroom rental is $556 a month on average, more than an 18 percent decline from last year.
Originally established thanks to the railroad, the city of McComb has flourished in recent years with new industries, including education, retail and healthcare. The area is naturally given to outdoorsy activities, thanks to gems like Percy Quin State Park, Homochitto National Forest and Wilkinson County State Park, among others.
Access to Scenic Rivers also allows locals and visitors to canoe, kayak and fish to their heart’s content. Quail Hollow Golf Course is a big draw, as well. Attractions like the McComb Railroad Museum, the Civil Rights Driving Tour and the Mississippi Blues Trail offer a peek into the past, while a visit to the thriving downtown area is delightfully current.
1. Pascagoula
- Average 1-BR rent price: $545
- Average rent change in the past year: +3.43%
This list of the cheapest places to live in Mississippi ends right where it began — on the Gulf Coast. A one-bedroom apartment in the coastal city of Pascagoula rents for an average of $545 a month, up 3.43 percent from last year.
Named one of Nasdaq’s “Top 5 Cities for Families in the Southeast,” Pascagoula strikes a balance between professional opportunities and a relaxed, beachy way of life. Currently, Flagship City is the home of one of Mississippi’s largest employers, Ingalls Shipbuilding, as well as numerous other companies.
Of course, the city’s location on two waterways (the Pascagoula River and the Gulf of Mexico) lends it a stunning array of water-based, sporting opportunities. Plus, the city puts on an equally impressive roster of events to celebrate the area’s rich culture and heritage, including the Battle of Buffett Beach, Blues & Heritage Festival, Children’s Mardi Gras Parade, Jackson County Carnival Association Mardi Gras Parade, the Zonta Arts and Crafts Festival and many more.
Find an affordable apartment in Mississippi
Sure, it can get hot and humid in Mississippi, but a little sweat and frizzy hair are well worth it when you consider the significant rent savings compared with the rest of the country. So, grab a “Beach Hair, Don’t Care” T-shirt and start your search today.
Methodology
Rent prices are based on a one-year rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.com’s multifamily rental property inventory as of August 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from this report.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Source: rent.com