Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Meridian, MS?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.6% of gross income.
Meridian rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Mississippi state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Mississippi cities have lower median rent than Meridian, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Meridian
View full rent data for Meridian, MS →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Meridian, MS?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,423 a month. A typical carpenter in Mississippi earns about $49,361 a year, which makes that rent 34.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Meridian?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Mississippi (~$49,361/yr) supports up to $1,234 a month in rent. Meridian's current median rent is $1,423/mo, which is $189/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Meridian?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a carpenter in Mississippi works roughly 60 hours a month to cover Meridian's median rent of $1,423.
Where is rent cheaper than Meridian for a carpenter?
Nearby Mississippi cities with lower median rent include Bay Saint Louis ($1,422/mo), Pearl ($1,420/mo), Gulf Hills ($1,420/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.