Startup Costs in Mississippi

Data current as of May 2026

Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the US, making it the cheapest state to launch many business types. Commercial rents, labor, and general operating costs are all well below the national average. The trade-off is lower average consumer spending and smaller market sizes. The Gulf Coast area benefits from tourism and casino-driven demand.

Mississippi (MS) by the Numbers

LLC Filing Fee
$50
Annual Report
$0
State Income Tax
4.00%
Sales Tax
7.00%
Min Wage
$7.25/hr
Cost of Living
0.84x
Labor Cost
0.82x
Rent Index
0.65x

What Mississippi's Numbers Mean for Founders

  • State income tax caps at 4.00%.
  • Labor costs are 18% below the national average, a margin advantage for service and retail operations.
  • Commercial rent is 35% below the national average, which gives you more square footage for your budget.
  • Minimum wage is the federal floor of $7.25/hour, keeping entry-level payroll low.
Capital: Jackson
Major metros: Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Biloxi
Top industries: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Military, Tourism

Mississippi Cost Guides (10)