The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Hattiesburg, MS

This guide strips away the hype. A $100,000 salary is a benchmark for success in many areas, but in Hattiesburg, its value depends entirely on what remains after taxes and essential costs. We analyze the math, not the marketing.

1. The Verification Test

A $100,000 salary is not $100,000 in your bank account. Before you budget a single dollar, you must account for mandatory deductions.

• Gross Annual Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Estimated): -$14,368
• FICA (SS/Medicare): -$7,650
• Mississippi State Tax: -$4,800
  • Context: Mississippi is not a "no-tax" state like Texas or Florida. It uses a graduated income tax system. For a $100k earner, you are effectively paying roughly 4.8% of your gross income to the state.
• Estimated Net Pay (Annual): $73,182
• Estimated Net Pay (Monthly): $6,098

Purchasing Power Reality: Your $100k salary is actually $73,182. You lose over a quarter of your income to taxes before you pay for housing.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Using the standard budget model applied to your $6,098 monthly net pay.

Needs (50%): $3,049

This covers survival expenses.

• Rent (1BR Average): $906
  • Note: This is the current market average for a decent 1BR. It is significantly lower than national averages, which is the primary financial advantage of Hattiesburg.
• Utilities (Electric/Water/Gas): $200 - $250
• Groceries: $400 - $500
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Maintenance): $300 - $400
• Remaining for Needs: $1,500 (Health insurance premiums, debt payments, etc.)

Wants (30%): $1,829

This is your discretionary spending.

• Dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, hobbies.
• Note: In Hattiesburg, this amount goes further than in major metros, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle if managed correctly.

Savings (20%): $1,220

• This is your wealth-building bucket.
• $1,220/month = $14,640/year.
• This is a solid savings rate, but it assumes you have zero high-interest debt. If you have student loans or credit card debt, this category evaporates quickly.

3. Hattiesburg Tax Context

• Vs. No-Tax States (TX/FL): You would take home roughly $3,000 more per year in Texas or Florida (saving the $4,800 state tax). Your monthly net pay would be closer to $6,350.
• Vs. High-Tax States (CA/NY): You are saving significantly. California state tax on $100k would be roughly $11,000+. You save roughly $6,000/year living in MS compared to CA.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes, but let's manage expectations. It is a high nominal salary for Hattiesburg. Because housing costs are low ($906 rent), your net pay of $6,098 provides a high standard of living compared to the local average. However, you are not "wealthy" by national standards; you are comfortable.

"Local income tax?"
No. Hattiesburg does not levy a specific city income tax. Your tax burden is strictly at the Federal and Mississippi State level.