Salary Needed to Live in Hattiesburg as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $46,468/year to live comfortably in Hattiesburg, MS, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $46,468/year to live comfortably in Hattiesburg, MS. The bare-minimum salary is $40,272/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,840.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,517/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,872/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$46,468
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$40,272
$3,356/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,517
30% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Hattiesburg
| Expense | Hattiesburg | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $704 | $1,351 | -48% |
| Groceries | $222 | $207 | +7% |
| Utilities | $109 | $169 | -36% |
| Transportation | $294 | $316 | -7% |
| Car Insurance | $162 | $223 | -27% |
| Health Insurance | $522 | $672 | -22% |
| Internet | $51 | $65 | -22% |
| Phone | $66 | $85 | -22% |
| Dining & Social | $234 | $300 | -22% |
| Entertainment | $94 | $120 | -22% |
| Personal Care | $59 | $75 | -21% |
| Total Monthly | $2,517 | $3,583 | -30% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,517
Target savings (10%):$323/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,840
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$46,468
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$704
Studio/1BR rent is 28% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus MS state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$323/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
78/100
Hattiesburg is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby south Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $704/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $504/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $40,272/year as the survival floor and $46,468/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Hattiesburg
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Hattiesburg?
A single person needs approximately $46,468/year ($3,872/month gross) to live comfortably in Hattiesburg with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Hattiesburg?
A studio/1br in Hattiesburg costs approximately $704/month, which is the largest single expense at 28% of the total budget.
Is Hattiesburg affordable for a single person?
Yes, Hattiesburg is 30% more affordable than the national average for a single person.