Cheapest State to Live In: Your Guide to Wallet-Friendly Holidays

If you're on the hunt for a holiday that won't torch your savings, you need to know which state is truly the cheapest. So, here’s the deal: Mississippi tops the list. Year after year, all the classic cost-of-living studies keep putting Mississippi in the #1 spot, and there’s a good reason for it.

Fast fact—Mississippi's average rent and grocery prices are way lower than the national median. You can snag a comfy Airbnb, eat out, and still have room in your budget for small splurges. This makes it a no-brainer if you want a break without stressing about nickels and dimes.

But cheap doesn’t mean boring. Want to hear why Mississippi is so affordable and where you can save the most? Keep reading, because every dollar really does stretch further down South—especially when you know which corners to cut and what fun things come totally free.

• The Cost Leader: Which State Takes the Crown?
• Daily Living Costs Broken Down
• Where Your Money Goes Further: Housing and Food
• Fun Things to Do Without Breaking the Bank
• Secret Perks of Budget Travel in This State
• Quick Tips for Booking Cheap Holidays Here

The Cost Leader: Which State Takes the Crown?

Drumroll, please—because it’s not even a close call. Mississippi is officially the cheapest state to live in. Just about every recent cost-of-living ranking agrees. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 analysis, Mississippi has the absolute lowest average housing, utility, grocery, and health care costs across the country.

Let’s look at some real numbers that make the choice obvious:

So why does a holiday here mean you get more for your money? Prices just don’t spike like they do in bigger touristy states. Food, fuel, and entertainment are all affordable, whether you’re in Jackson or chilling on the Gulf Coast. Local businesses keep things budget-friendly for both residents and tourists.

“Mississippi continues to offer the lowest cost of living in the United States by a wide margin,” says the Council for Community and Economic Research. “Travelers notice because their daily expenses—hotels, food, and activities—are consistently less than in other regions.”

If you’re planning a trip, it’s not just about saving cash on basics. Lower costs open the door to little luxuries you might skip somewhere else. More room in your budget means a better holiday—for less. That’s the true win here.

Daily Living Costs Broken Down

Mississippi nails it when it comes to making your money go further. Let's get into the real numbers you care about. If you’re thinking a long weekend or an extended stay, you’ll want a handle on the daily grind: food, shelter, gas, and basic fun.

First, take a look at how cheapest state really measures up compared to other places. Here’s a quick breakdown of typical daily expenses for one person, using the most current stats as of spring 2024:

Not bad, right? Even your morning coffee habit won’t raid your piggy bank here. Rents and Airbnbs are especially forgiving—your biggest expense in other states. Eating out is simple and cheap, too. You can grab proper Southern barbecue without feeling guilty about it.

Here’s where you really win: things like utilities, wifi, and even ride-shares cost less compared to most other touristy states. For anyone on a budget, saving $20 here and $15 there every day adds up fast. And if you’re into cooking your own meals, snagging fresh groceries from local markets can cut your daily spend even more.

Where Your Money Goes Further: Housing and Food

Let’s get down to what really eats up your holiday budget: where you sleep and what you eat. Mississippi makes it simple to keep costs low. Rent for an apartment or a comfy Airbnb in towns like Tupelo or Hattiesburg is strikingly cheap—even compared to other Southern states. You can still find decent hotel rooms under $80 a night in most cities, and small towns drop even lower. Need proof? Check out these averages:

Even eating out won’t send your wallet into shock. In local diners, you can grab huge plates of Southern classics—think fried catfish, BBQ, and cornbread—for around $10 or less per meal. The portions are generous, so don’t be surprised if you have leftovers for breakfast.

Want to cook your own meals? Grocery prices are way below the national average. Staples like eggs, bread, potatoes, and chicken all cost noticeably less in Mississippi stores compared to what you’d pay up north or out west.

• Look for local farmer’s markets—fresh produce gets even cheaper and you support small businesses.
• Try mid-week Airbnb rentals for extra discounts; rates usually drop after Sunday.
• If you’re up for a true budget hack, some small-town motels will cut deals for longer stays or for walk-in guests.

Here’s the best part if you’re chasing a cheapest state holiday: you’ll have more cash to spend on fun stuff instead of scraping by on food and a place to crash. Not many states can say that.

Fun Things to Do Without Breaking the Bank

If you think saving cash means you’re stuck doing nothing, Mississippi is about to prove you wrong. There’s loads to see and do that won’t stretch your wallet—actually, most things here are way cheaper than what you’d find in other states.

First up, let’s talk outdoors. Parks like the cheapest state’s Tishomingo State Park charge less than $5 per car for entry. This place has hiking trails, kayaking, and even rock formations that are a hit with families and adventure seekers. If you love the water, Biloxi’s beaches are totally free, and you can walk the coastline, collect seashells, or have a picnic. There’s also free fishing piers all along the Gulf Coast, so bring a pole or just hang out and watch the sunset.

For music lovers, you cannot miss the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. Admission is just a few bucks, and you’ll get the full story on how blues music shaped American culture. Plus, lots of small towns in Mississippi host free or cheap live music nights—especially in local bars and at summer festivals.

If you’re into history, wander around Vicksburg National Military Park. You’ll learn all about Civil War history and see sights that cost under $10 per person. Some spots, like the old Courthouse Museum, even have special days with reduced rates or free entry.

If you like a more relaxed vibe, towns like Oxford have cool bookstores, indie coffee shops, and regular street art walks at no cost. Farmer’s markets pop up almost every weekend, so you can snack local, people watch, and maybe catch a food truck or two.

Quick tips for even more savings: look for local event boards (sometimes at libraries or diners), carpool with other travelers, and ask Airbnb hosts about hidden gems. In Mississippi, your budget basically goes on vacation too.

Secret Perks of Budget Travel in This State

Most folks know Mississippi is cheap, but not everyone realizes just how many extras come with that low price tag. This state throws in a bunch of perks that you probably won’t find in pricier spots, making your cheapest state holiday feel like an upgrade without the extra cost.

Let’s get specific. Many museums and historic sites, like the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Vicksburg National Military Park, either offer free entry days or have donation-only policies. Even the regular ticket prices are a steal—often $10 or less for full-day access. A ton of art galleries and outdoor festivals cost nothing, so you can fill up your phone’s gallery without touching your wallet.

Getting around won’t put a dent in your pocket either. Mississippi cities like Jackson and Gulfport have flat-rate city buses, with fares as low as $1.50 per ride. Plus, if you’re renting a car, gas prices in Mississippi are consistently among the cheapest in the country. In May 2025, the average price per gallon was $2.68—compare that to $4+ in California!

Public parks and nature spots are another win. From the Natchez Trace Parkway—a 444-mile scenic route free to use—to endless state parks with $4-$6 day-use fees, you could fill your entire trip with hikes, picnics, and wildlife spotting for practically nothing. Even the Gulf Coast beaches don’t charge you for parking or entry, unlike a ton of other places.

Foodies get an extra perk here. Lots of diners and local restaurants serve Southern comfort food for under $10 a plate, and you can jump into crawfish boils or catfish fries at local fairs for pocket change. Plus, happy hour runs long at many bars, with two-for-one deals being super common.

If you want to keep costs down even more, consider booking holidays during spring or fall, when hotel prices drop and crowds thin out. Owners are often open to short-notice deals or longer-term discounts, especially in smaller towns.

• Look out for city-sponsored free music nights, especially in college towns like Oxford or Starkville.
• Check local event calendars for pop-up food festivals, which usually have no entry fees.
• Use public library networks for free internet, printing, and even free movie nights and local recommendations.

The combination of these perks means your Mississippi holiday is more than just cheap—it’s loaded with little wins that make your dollar go farther, all while skipping the tourist-trap vibe.

Quick Tips for Booking Cheap Holidays Here

Getting the best deals in Mississippi is totally doable if you know a few smart tricks. Let’s get straight into how you can save even more when planning your trip.

• Cheapest state tip: Book your accommodation early. Mississippi’s lowest prices for hotels and Airbnbs usually pop up if you reserve at least 4-6 weeks ahead. Last-minute deals can happen, but the best picks go fast, especially near places like Oxford or Biloxi.
• Travel in the off-season, which is typically mid-January through March or late August through early November. Not only are hotels and rentals cheaper, but you’ll avoid crowds and get the best rates on attractions.
• Check out combo deals for fun and food. Local motels often partner with restaurants or tour companies for bundled discounts—think hotel-plus-dinner packages or attraction tickets included in your stay.
• Love road trips? Mississippi’s gas prices are often among the lowest in the US, so renting a car and exploring at your own pace actually makes sense here. Just avoid the holiday weekends when prices spike a bit, especially around major events like the Mississippi State Fair.
• Forget tourist traps. Look for community-run museums, free walking tours, and local parks, which are either free or just a couple bucks. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and several historic homes offer discount days every month—just check their websites before you go.
• If you’re flexible, use fare alerts for flights into nearby airports like Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International. These alerts can help you fish out flash airfare sales that pop up a few times each month.

Stick to these tips and you’ll squeeze every bit of value out of your holiday budget, no matter how tight things are. Mississippi really can be your wallet’s best friend—if you play it smart.