Assisted living in Mississippi costs approximately $4,369 per month on average (about $52,428 annually), based on statewide pricing trends and the standardized range-based modeling framework used across SeniorCareCostGuide. This places Mississippi significantly below the national median of $6,200 — making it the most affordable state for assisted living among all the states we’ve measured.
Notably, Mississippi’s CareScout 2025 median of $4,369 represents a decrease from prior data which showed the statewide median near $4,800 — a rare downward shift that reflects favorable cost dynamics in Mississippi’s assisted living market. Families who previously budgeted based on the older figure will find their dollars stretch further than expected.
Pricing varies across the state. Jackson and Gulfport area communities frequently exceed the statewide median due to stronger healthcare infrastructure and higher demand, while smaller inland cities offer the most moderate pricing in the state.
Families comparing regional pricing may also want to review assisted living costs in Alabama and Louisiana.
Mississippi Assisted Living Cost Snapshot (2026)
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Statewide Median | ~$4,369/mo |
| Annual Equivalent | ~$52,428 |
| Lowest Major Markets | Greenville, Meridian, Hattiesburg |
| Highest Major Markets | Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven |
| Compared to National Median | Significantly Lower |
| Most Comparable States | Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana |
On This Page
- Average assisted living cost in Mississippi
- Mississippi monthly pricing
- City-by-city assisted living costs
- Regional cost patterns
- Medicaid coverage in Mississippi
- Mississippi vs other states
- Long-term cost planning
- How to compare Mississippi communities
How Mississippi Assisted Living Costs Compare Nationally
Mississippi’s assisted living median of approximately $4,369 per month falls below the national median of $6,200 by nearly $1,831 per month — the widest gap of any state we’ve measured, making Mississippi the most affordable assisted living market in the country.
The CareScout 2025 data reflects a decrease from prior data which showed the statewide median near $4,800 — a decline of approximately $431 per month or $5,172 per year. This is a rare and genuinely positive development for Mississippi families. A downward shift in the statewide median reflects favorable dynamics in Mississippi’s assisted living market relative to the national trend of rising costs.
One notable data point: Mississippi’s nursing home semi-private room median of $9,581 per month (CareScout 2025) is more than double the assisted living median of $4,369 — one of the widest nursing home vs assisted living gaps in the country. For families weighing the two options, assisted living represents a dramatically more cost-effective choice in Mississippi.
For a broader benchmark, see our guide to the national average assisted living cost.
What Is the Average Cost of Assisted Living in Mississippi?
The CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey reports Mississippi’s assisted living median at approximately $52,428 per year, about $4,369 per month.
Estimated Annual Cost
At $4,369/month:
| Period | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $52,428 |
| 3 Years | $157,284 |
| 5 Years | $262,140 |
These projections do not account for annual rate increases, which typically range between 3% and 7%.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Per Month in Mississippi?
Most assisted living communities in Mississippi charge between $3,500 and $5,250 per month, with a statewide median near $4,369 per month.
Monthly pricing varies by city, care level, and community type. Jackson and coastal Mississippi communities trend toward the higher end of the statewide range, while inland markets offer the most moderate pricing.
Assisted Living Costs by City in Mississippi
Mississippi’s regional economic differences create measurable pricing variation. The figures below reflect planning ranges consistent with the statewide median of approximately $4,369 per month.
| City | Low Range | High Range | Estimated Median | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $4,400 | $5,900+ | ~$5,150 | ~$61,800+ |
| Gulfport | $4,300 | $5,800+ | ~$5,050 | ~$60,600+ |
| Southaven | $4,300 | $5,800+ | ~$5,050 | ~$60,600+ |
| Olive Branch | $4,300 | $5,800+ | ~$5,050 | ~$60,600+ |
| Biloxi | $4,200 | $5,700+ | ~$4,950 | ~$59,400+ |
| Hattiesburg | $4,100 | $5,500+ | ~$4,800 | ~$57,600+ |
| Tupelo | $4,100 | $5,500+ | ~$4,800 | ~$57,600+ |
| Meridian | $4,000 | $5,400+ | ~$4,700 | ~$56,400+ |
| Greenville | $3,900 | $5,300+ | ~$4,600 | ~$55,200+ |
Jackson reflects the highest assisted living pricing as the state capital and largest city. Even in the highest-cost market, communities rarely exceed $5,200 per month — well below the national median. Greenville offers the most moderate pricing in the state.
Highest and Lowest Assisted Living Costs in Mississippi
Highest-Cost Mississippi Markets
- Jackson — The most expensive major market, reflecting Mississippi’s largest city with UMMC Health and Baptist Health Systems anchoring healthcare demand.
- Gulfport and Biloxi — Gulf Coast markets reflect above-median pricing driven by casino and tourism industry employment and coastal retiree demand.
- Southaven and Olive Branch — Memphis metro suburbs in DeSoto County reflect above-median pricing driven by proximity to Memphis’s labor market and higher household incomes.
More Affordable Mississippi Markets
- Greenville — Generally the most moderate pricing among major Mississippi cities, reflecting the Delta region’s lower real estate costs.
- Meridian — East-central Mississippi market offers below-median pricing with limited facility competition.
- Hattiesburg — Southern Mississippi’s largest city offers moderate pricing with University of Southern Mississippi healthcare presence.
Regional Assisted Living Cost Patterns in Mississippi
Central Mississippi (Jackson)
Pricing: $4,400 to $5,900+ per month
Jackson consistently reflects the highest assisted living pricing in Mississippi. The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and Baptist Health Systems anchor strong healthcare employment that influences caregiver wages and operating costs statewide.
Gulf Coast (Gulfport, Biloxi)
Pricing: $4,200 to $5,800+ per month
The Mississippi Gulf Coast reflects above-median pricing driven by casino and tourism industry employment, coastal retiree migration, and Memorial Hospital Gulfport’s regional healthcare presence.
North Mississippi (Southaven, Olive Branch, Tupelo)
Pricing: $4,100 to $5,800+ per month
North Mississippi markets reflect varied pricing. DeSoto County suburbs of Memphis (Southaven, Olive Branch) reflect above-median pricing driven by Memphis metro labor market dynamics. Tupelo and surrounding Lee County communities offer more moderate pricing.
South and Central Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Meridian, Greenville)
Pricing: $3,900 to $5,500+ per month
Southern and central Mississippi generally offer the most moderate assisted living pricing in the state. Lower real estate costs, smaller population centers, and more limited labor market competition all contribute to accessible pricing.
Mississippi Senior Housing Market Trends (2026)
Mississippi Is the Most Affordable Assisted Living Market in the Country: At $4,369 per month, Mississippi’s assisted living median is nearly $1,831 below the national median — the widest gap of any state. Even with annual rate increases of 5%, Mississippi’s costs would not approach the current national median for several years.
Costs Have Decreased from Prior Data: Mississippi’s CareScout 2025 median of $4,369 represents a decrease from the prior statewide estimate of approximately $4,800 — a decline of roughly $431 per month. This favorable shift reflects Mississippi’s specific market dynamics and is a meaningful benefit for families planning assisted living costs in the state.
Nursing Home Costs More Than Double Assisted Living: Mississippi’s nursing home semi-private room median of $9,581 per month is more than double the assisted living median of $4,369 — one of the widest gaps nationally. For families weighing care options, assisted living represents a dramatically more affordable alternative for seniors who don’t require skilled nursing supervision.
Home Care Modestly Above Assisted Living: Mississippi’s in-home care median of $4,576 per month (CareScout 2025) is only slightly above the assisted living median of $4,369 — a gap of just $207 per month. Families comparing the two options should evaluate actual care needs and total support value rather than focusing solely on the modest cost difference.
Annual Rate Increases Consistent with Southeastern Trends: Annual assisted living rate increases across Mississippi typically range between 3% and 7%, consistent with broader Southeastern trends.
What Does Assisted Living Typically Include in Mississippi?
Assisted living communities in Mississippi generally structure pricing into a base monthly rate plus additional care-related fees.
Typically Included in Base Monthly Cost
- Private or semi-private accommodations
- Meals and dining services
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Utilities
- Scheduled transportation
- Social and recreational programming
- Basic assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Often Billed Separately
- Medication administration
- Higher levels of personal care
- Memory care services
- One-time move-in or community fees
- Specialized therapies or health monitoring
Communities frequently use tiered care models. As a resident’s health needs increase, monthly charges rise accordingly.
Assisted Living vs Other Care Options in Mississippi
| Care Type | Average Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | ~$4,369 | Moderate daily support |
| Memory Care | ~$5,500 to $7,000 | Dementia or Alzheimer’s care |
| Nursing Home | ~$9,581 to $9,885/mo | Skilled medical supervision or 24/7 nursing care |
| Home Care | ~$4,576/mo | Aging in place with part-time support |
Mississippi’s nursing home semi-private room median of $9,581 per month (CareScout 2025) is more than double the assisted living median — making assisted living a dramatically more cost-effective option. Home care at $4,576 per month is only $207 more per month than assisted living, so families should evaluate actual care needs and total support value when comparing the two options.
What Affects Assisted Living Costs in Mississippi?
- Location: Jackson, Gulf Coast, and DeSoto County communities command higher rates relative to inland and southern Mississippi.
- Level of Care Required: Increased assistance with daily activities raises monthly costs as residents transition to higher care tiers.
- Private vs. Shared Units: Private apartments typically cost more than shared accommodations.
- Memory Care: Specialized staffing and secure environments increase pricing relative to standard assisted living communities.
- Demand Trends: Mississippi’s aging population supports stable senior housing demand across major markets.
- Regulatory Environment: Mississippi assisted living communities are licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health, with staffing standards and compliance requirements contributing to operating costs.
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Mississippi?
Medicare does not cover long-term assisted living costs.
Mississippi Medicaid may provide limited assistance through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs administered by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. These programs help eligible seniors receive care services in community settings rather than institutional facilities.
Important considerations:
- Coverage applies primarily to approved personal care and support services
- Room and board costs are generally the resident’s financial responsibility
- Income and asset limits apply
- Functional eligibility criteria must be met
- Waiting lists may apply depending on program funding
Families should confirm current eligibility requirements directly with Mississippi Medicaid or consult a qualified elder law advisor before making financial decisions.
How Mississippi Assisted Living Costs Compare to Other States
Mississippi’s median of $4,369/mo is the lowest of any state we’ve measured — significantly below the national median and all neighboring states.
| State | Estimated Monthly Median | Relative to Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | ~$4,369 | — |
| Alabama | ~$4,425 | Slightly Higher |
| Arkansas | ~$4,637 | Higher |
| Louisiana | ~$5,163 | Higher |
| Tennessee | ~$5,845 | Significantly Higher |
| Georgia | ~$5,300 | Higher |
Mississippi is less expensive than all neighboring states including Alabama, which is itself one of the most affordable states in the country.
Compare Mississippi Assisted Living Costs to Nearby States
- Alabama Assisted Living Costs
- Louisiana Assisted Living Costs
- Arkansas Assisted Living Costs
- Tennessee Assisted Living Costs
- Georgia Assisted Living Costs
Long-Term Cost Planning in Mississippi
Assisted living should be evaluated as a multi-year financial commitment. At $4,369 per month with a 5% annual increase, projected costs may look like:
| Year | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $4,369/month |
| Year 2 | $4,587/month |
| Year 3 | $4,817/month |
| Year 4 | $5,058/month |
| Year 5 | $5,311/month |
Over five years, cumulative spending may exceed $289,000, excluding additional care needs or care level transitions — the lowest five-year projection of any state we’ve measured.
How to Plan for Assisted Living Costs in Mississippi
Common financial strategies families use to fund assisted living in Mississippi include:
- Home sale proceeds
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans benefits (Aid and Attendance program)
- Retirement income and savings
- Bridge financing
Projecting 3 to 5 years of potential expenses provides a more realistic financial outlook, particularly when incorporating annual rate increases and possible care level transitions.
Who Mississippi Assisted Living May Be Best Suited For
Mississippi assisted living may appeal most to:
- Seniors with established community and family ties in Mississippi who wish to remain close to home
- Families seeking the most affordable assisted living market in the country
- Retirees comparing Mississippi with neighboring Alabama or Arkansas as comparable lower-cost Deep South alternatives
- Families noting the dramatic nursing home cost premium — at more than double the assisted living median, Mississippi makes a particularly strong case for assisted living over nursing home care
- Families who budgeted based on prior $4,800 estimates and will find their costs are now lower than expected
How to Compare Assisted Living Communities in Mississippi
Because pricing structures vary across Mississippi, families should request a detailed fee schedule from each community under consideration. Base monthly rates may not fully reflect higher care tiers, medication management, or memory care services.
When comparing communities, consider:
- What level of care is included in the base rate
- How care levels are assessed and priced over time
- Whether annual rate increases are capped or discretionary
- Staffing ratios and caregiver training standards
- Proximity to hospitals and specialty healthcare providers
- Contract structure (month-to-month vs. long-term agreements)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does assisted living cost per month in Mississippi?
Most assisted living communities in Mississippi range between $3,500 and $5,250 per month, with a statewide median near $4,369 per month based on the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey.
Is Mississippi the most affordable state for assisted living?
Yes, based on CareScout 2025 data. Mississippi’s median of $4,369/mo falls nearly $1,831 below the national median of $6,200 — the widest gap of any state measured.
Have assisted living costs in Mississippi gone down?
Yes. The CareScout 2025 median of $4,369 reflects a decrease from the prior statewide estimate of approximately $4,800 — a decline of roughly $431 per month or $5,172 per year. This is a rare favorable development for Mississippi families planning assisted living costs.
How does the nursing home cost compare to assisted living in Mississippi?
Mississippi’s nursing home semi-private room median of $9,581 per month is more than double the assisted living median of $4,369 — one of the widest gaps nationally. For families weighing care options, assisted living is a dramatically more cost-effective choice for seniors who don’t require skilled nursing care.
What is the most expensive city in Mississippi for assisted living?
Jackson consistently reflects the highest assisted living pricing, with communities frequently ranging between $4,400 and $5,900+ per month.
Can Medicaid help pay for assisted living in Mississippi?
Mississippi Medicaid may provide limited assistance through HCBS waiver programs, though room and board costs are generally not covered. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and demonstrated care needs. Families should confirm current program details with Mississippi Medicaid or a qualified elder law advisor.
Methodology
Pricing estimates are modeled using a range plus midpoint planning framework anchored to national industry data, including statewide median figures from the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (data collected July through November 2025, published March 2, 2026).
State comparisons reflect standardized median estimates used across SeniorCareCostGuide. Long-term projections are illustrative planning models based on consistent annual growth assumptions and are intended for planning purposes only.
For a detailed explanation of how pricing estimates are modeled, see our Assisted Living Cost Methodology.
Sources
- CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey
- State-level pricing estimates modeled using a standardized range and midpoint framework
- Local market observations based on publicly available senior living data and community-level pricing trends
Last reviewed: May 2026.