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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Starkville, MS — COL adjusted from Birmingham, AL area + state data

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 23.1%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,730
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$20.8K
Per year

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

Starkville, MS

Population:25K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$90K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:123
Median Home:$512K

Starkville, MS

The Magnolia State

25K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Mississippi, this city has a population of 25K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Research Triangle
  • •State capital
  • •Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Starkville, MS vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 57.4%
Starkville, MS
$1,568
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$901
more
📦Other
↑ 19.8%
Starkville, MS
$1,426
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$282
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 17.9%
Starkville, MS
$1,089
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$195
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 22.8%
Starkville, MS
$489
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$112
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 5.1%
Starkville, MS
$913
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$46.21
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 6.1%
Starkville, MS
$515
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$31.52
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$501
To$1,570
↑ $1,069
1 Bed
From$578
To$1,640
↑ $1,062
2 Bed
From$693
To$1,800
↑ $1,107
3 Bed
From$924
To$2,255
↑ $1,331
Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$6,000
Monthly in Starkville, MS
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$1,567
Difference

Home Values

Starkville
Raleigh
-
Median Value
$512K
-
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
-
Price Range
$314K - $992K
Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $225
Per year
Monthly Difference
$18.75
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.2%
Rate difference

Starkville, 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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Starkville, MS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.6%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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

Starkville
Raleigh
57 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
26%
Good Air Days
61.7%
98 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

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

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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