Based on the ACCRA Cost of Living Index of 307 metro areas, the cost of living for the Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula MSA in the fourth quarter of 2003 was estimated at 90.4% of the national average, or stated otherwise, 9.6% below the national average. In particular, the cost of housing was found to be nearly 22% below the national average, with healthcare, grocery, and utility costs also below national averages.

A wide variety of housing options exist on the Mississippi Gulf Coast from executive-style housing for officers to starter homes for enlisted personnel. In addition, there are over 9,000 apartments available.

Since 1992 and the advent of casino gaming, both the state and local governments have reinvested gaming revenues to further improve the quality of instruction. With these added revenues, Gulf Coast schools have made significant capital improvements. Since 1992, over $200 million has been spent on new schools and improvements to existing facilities. These improvements, coupled with new technology, have led to an increase in test scores and overall school rankings within the state. The Gulf Coast is now home to four Level 5 accredited school districts (Biloxi, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, and Jackson County) - the highest rankings in the State of Mississippi. The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers a variety of post high school choices from an extensive community college system and various occupational training facilities to two universities, University of Southern Mississippi – Gulf Park Campus and William Carey College. Residents also have access to eight other universities in close proximity, from New Orleans to South Alabama.

Coast retailers offer a mixture of the unique and the commonplace, and there is no shortage of places to shop. Over 9 million square feet of retail await those who love to shop. Two malls, Edgewater in Biloxi and Singing River in Gautier, provide retail customers with traditional department stores as well as a variety of specialty stores that carry clothing, jewelry, electronics, books and shoes. Crossroads Center, located in Gulfport, features Barnes & Noble, Circuit City, Pier One, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, PetsMart, Chili's, TGIFridays, and other national retailers. Discount shoppers will want to make sure to try Prime Outlets at Gulfport. They currently offer 70+ stores in a family-friendly environment. Finally, antique shops and specialty stores are clustered in Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs, and Pass Christian. And for those who enjoy 24-hour action, our 12 casino resorts offer live entertainment and gaming 365 days a year, along with a wide assortment of fabulous dining options.

No matter what your idea of fun is, you're sure to find it on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whether it's enjoying our 26 miles of beach, championship golf, deep-sea fishing, visiting an art museum, or participating in a sport at one of the many local parks, the "Playground of the South" has it waiting for you. In addition to traditional attractions, museums, and nature areas, the Mississippi Coast offers the sports lover a wide variety of options. With over 50 public parks and sports complexes, you can enjoy baseball, softball, soccer, golf, hiking, sailing, swimming, tennis, boxing, fencing, canoeing, skateboarding, inline hockey, tubing, bicycling, and walking. Golfers will enjoy trying their luck on one of 23 courses in the area that offer challenges for every skill level and green fees that are surprisingly less than most resort areas. Sports fishermen can plan a day-long or overnight trip into the Gulf waters, or they can fish the area's many lakes, bays, and rivers. Swimmers will enjoy the Biloxi Natatorium and YMCA facilities located in Long Beach and Ocean Springs. Tennis lovers can join one of many tennis clubs on the Coast or participate in City and YMCA leagues. Campers will want to try Gulf Islands National Seashore, Buccaneer State Park, or Flint Creek or rough it in the beautiful DeSoto National Forest. The cities of Biloxi and Gulfport recently opened new recreation facilities - complete with international length soccer fields, baseball diamonds, lighted tennis courts, and walking tracks. And each community offers a variety of youth programs throughout the year.

Transitioning military personnel and their dependents will find an assortment of job opportunities in Harrison County. From area casinos to office environments, military personnel are sought out for positions due to their work ethic and special skills, especially those trained in electronics/information technology at Keesler and in construction by the Naval Construction Battalion Center.

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you will find a wide variety of races and religions and tolerance for varying points of view. There are over 50 religious denominations represented at area churches and a growing Hispanic and Asian community, in addition to existing African-American and Caucasian presence.