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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Meridian, MS — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Birmingham, AL area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.3K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $177.5K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 30.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,293
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$27.5K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Meridian, MS

Population:34K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$90K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:131
Median Home:$414K

Meridian, MS

The Magnolia State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Mississippi, this city has a population of 34K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • •Fastest growing major city
  • •Desert metropolis
  • •Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Meridian, MS vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
↑ 77.3%
Meridian, MS
$1,572
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$1,216
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 36.3%
Meridian, MS
$1,092
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$397
more
📦Other
↑ 17.3%
Meridian, MS
$1,430
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$248
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 20.1%
Meridian, MS
$490
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$98.45
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 5.4%
Meridian, MS
$914
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$48.95
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 8.8%
Meridian, MS
$516
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$45.57
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$602
To$1,390
↑ $788
1 Bed
From$625
To$1,510
↑ $885
2 Bed
From$695
To$1,750
↑ $1,055
3 Bed
From$927
To$2,330
↑ $1,403
Meridian, MSZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$900/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,014
Monthly in Meridian, MS
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$2,054
Difference

Home Values

Meridian
Phoenix
$90K
Median Value
$414K
↓ -2.8%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +20.4%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$58K - $183K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 360% more expensive than Meridian

Calculate payment - MeridianCalculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $2.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$176
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.4%
Rate difference

Meridian, MS

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Mississippi State Tax
Effective: 4.9%
$7.3K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,803/month
$105.6K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Meridian, MS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.6%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Meridian
Phoenix
57 Moderate
Air Quality
77 Moderate
26%
Good Air Days
9%
98 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Mississippi and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

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