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Moving from Mississippi to California

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheapest housing in US, deep South culture, low incomes. vs. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

MS state flag
Living now

Mississippi

Capital: Jackson

Median household income $52,985 · winter low 36°F · 213 sunny days

Cheapest housing in US, deep South culture, low incomes.

CA state flag
Moving to

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Mississippi
87.0
California
110.7
California has 27% higher overall price level
Housing index
Mississippi
56.5
California
154.3
California has 173% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Mississippi
96.2
California
106.1
California has 10% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Mississippi
98.0
California
101.6
California has 3.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Mississippi
16.8 ¢/kWh
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
California has 110% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Mississippi
97.4
California
102.1
California has 4.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Mississippi
$186,500
California
$759,500
California is 307% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Mississippi
$990/mo
California
$2,104/mo
California is 113% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Mississippi
92°F
California
84°F
California is 8.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Mississippi
36°F
California
45°F
California is 25% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Mississippi
64°F
California
59°F
California is 7.1% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Mississippi
213
California
258
California has 21% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Mississippi
58 in
California
26 in
California is 56% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Mississippi
42
California
56
California has 33% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Mississippi
1
California
302
California has 30100% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
16 in

Get the full MississippiCalifornia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in California than Mississippi?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 86.4 for Mississippi, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Mississippi tops out at 4% income tax. California tops out at 13.3%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in California?

Most California residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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