Median rent is 30% lower in Gulfport ($1,030/mo vs $1,468/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gulfport, where the median home runs $167,100 versus $377,800. Households earn more in Raleigh ($82,424 vs $46,044 a year). Taken together, Gulfport is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.2 against 98.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Raleigh, NC.
City A
Gulfport, MS
City B
Raleigh, NC
How much would you need to earn in Raleigh, NC to maintain your standard of living from Gulfport, MS?
Equivalent salary in Raleigh, NC
$75,083
You'd need $83 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Gulfport
Mississippi
Raleigh
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Gulfport — median rent of $1,030/mo versus $1,468/mo in Raleigh, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Raleigh: the median home is $377,800 versus $167,100 in Gulfport — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Mississippi's top income tax rate is 4.70% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Raleigh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Mississippi and 4.75% in North Carolina; Raleigh has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Gulfport
Income tax: 4.70%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Raleigh
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Raleigh (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for Gulfport.
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize higher median household income ($82,424/yr).
Pick Gulfport if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,030/mo median).
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Gulfport cheaper than Raleigh?
Gulfport is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.2 versus 98.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Gulfport.
How much is rent in Gulfport vs Raleigh?
Median rent is $1,030/mo in Gulfport, MS and $1,468/mo in Raleigh, NC. Gulfport, MS has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Gulfport or Raleigh?
Median household income is $46,044 in Gulfport, MS and $82,424 in Raleigh, NC. Raleigh, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Gulfport or Raleigh?
Mississippi's top income tax rate is 4.70% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Raleigh, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Gulfport income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Gulfport, MS is equivalent to roughly $100,111 in Raleigh, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology