Best Cities for Accountants & CPAs in Mississippi
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $78,000 salary
Mississippi has 3 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For accountants & cpas earning around $78,000 annually, Gulfport-Biloxi stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 61.0 and $52,231 left after taxes and rent. 3 cities in Mississippi sit below the national average cost of living, giving accountants & cpas more purchasing power per dollar earned. Jackson is the priciest metro at 65.6 on the index, 5 points above Gulfport-Biloxi.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gulfport-Biloxi | 61.0 | $1,140 |
| 2 | Hattiesburg | 64.3 | $1,047 |
| 3 | Jackson | 65.6 | $1,288 |
Net income = $78,000 salary − federal & Mississippi state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $78,000 salary for accountants & cpas who manage finances and tax compliance, after applying 2026 federal and Mississippi state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Mississippi for accountants & cpas?
Gulfport-Biloxi is the most affordable city in Mississippi for accountants & cpas, with a cost-of-living index of 61.0 (national average = 100). On a $78,000 salary, you'd have approximately $52,231 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do accountants & cpas earn in Mississippi?
Accountants & CPAs in Mississippi earn around $78,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $13,896 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Mississippi cities?
Across 3 metro areas in Mississippi, the average cost-of-living index is 64 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Gulfport-Biloxi at 61.0, while Jackson is the most expensive at 65.6—a difference of 5 index points.
Other Rankings in Mississippi
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