Mississippi is known for its southern charm and rich history, but it’s also home to some incredibly affordable places for renters.
From solid employment opportunities to everything you’d need for a fun and affordable day out on the town, these cities have something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at six of the cheapest places to live in Mississippi to find your next home.
1. Greenville
Average rent: $838
Greenville takes the top spot as one of the most affordable cities for renters in Mississippi. The average rent here is just $838, with one-bedroom apartments costing about $760 and two-bedroom units averaging $915. This low cost of living is a major draw for many renters.
Greenville also offers a variety of employment opportunities, with major employers like Delta Regional Medical Center and Mars Food. For entertainment, you can explore the local blues music history at the Delta Blues Museum. Outdoorsy types will love the town’s proximity to the Mississippi River, offering free or cheap activities like fishing and picnicking at the levee.
Apartments for Rent in Greenville | Houses for rent in Greenville | Homes for sale in Greenville
2. Meridian
Average rent: $845
Meridian is another budget-friendly city in Mississippi, with an average rent of $845. One-bedroom apartments here typically go for $815, while two-bedroom units are around $875.
Meridian is home to several sizable employers, including Rush Health Systems and Peavey Electronics. For a fun day out on the town, residents enjoy the ability to easily catch a show at the historic Temple Theatre or take a stroll through Bonita Lakes Park. The park features beautiful walking trails providing the perfect backdrop for a day under the Mississippi sun.
Apartments for Rent in Meridian | Houses for rent in Meridian | Homes for sale in Meridian
3. Oxford
Average rent: $955
Oxford offers a blend of affordability and vibrant community life, with an average rent of $955. One-bedroom apartments in Oxford here cost around $900, and two-bedroom units are about $1,010. While slightly higher than Greenville and Meridian, Oxford’s rent prices are still below the state median.
Oxford is well-known for being the home of the University of Mississippi, which is also a major employer in the area. The university brings a lively atmosphere to the city. Free attractions include the beautiful campus itself and the historic Square, where you can window shop and people-watch to your heart’s desire.
Apartments for Rent in Oxford | Houses for rent in Oxford | Homes for sale in Oxford
4. Tupelo
Average rent: $1,072
Tupelo is another great option for those seeking out affordable living in Mississippi. The average rent here is $1,072, with one-bedroom apartments costing about $999 and two-bedroom units averaging $1,145. Despite being slightly above the other cities mentioned, Tupelo’s rent prices are still quite affordable compared to the state median.
A couple of the noteworthy employers in Tupelo are North Mississippi Health Services and the Tupelo Furniture Market. The city is famous for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and you can visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum for a modest fee. The Natchez Trace Parkway is packed with beautiful scenery and hiking trails, perfect for a free day outside.
Apartments for Rent in Tupelo | Houses for rent in Tupelo | Homes for sale in Tupelo
5. Jackson
Average rent: $1,085
As the capital city of Mississippi, Jackson is a great place for budget-conscious renters to settle down. The average rent in Jackson is $1,085, with one-bedroom apartments in Jackson going for around $1,361 and two-bedroom units averaging $995. While the rent for one-bedroom units is higher, the average rent is still below the state median due to the more affordable two-bedroom options.
Jackson is home to a few major employers like the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Jackson Public Schools. On a nice day, you’ll find locals exploring the Mississippi Museum of Art or enjoying a day at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park.
Apartments for Rent in Jackson | Houses for rent in Jackson | Homes for sale in Jackson
6. Starkville
Average rent: $1,085
With an average rent of $1,085, Starkville is another great affordable city in Mississippi. One-bedroom apartments cost about $860, and two-bedroom units average $1,375.
Mississippi State University is the premier employer in Starkville, contributing to the city’s sense of community and college town atmosphere. The university also hosts tons of free attractions, including the MSU Campus Trails for hiking and biking. The Cotton District, known for its architecture and nightlife, provides a great spot for affordable entertainment.
Apartments for Rent in Starkville | Houses for rent in Starkville | Homes for sale in Starkville
Methodology
All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have an average rent price under the median rent price for the state – which is $1,159 per month according to Redfin data. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2024.
