Tips for Comparing Rental Prices Across Neighborhoods in Biloxi, Mississippi
To effectively compare Biloxi rental prices, analyze 12 key neighborhoods with 2-bedroom apartments ranging from $750-$1,800, factor in additional $270-470 for monthly utilities, prioritize West End or Popp's Ferry for value, avoid peak season (May-August), and always verify property conditions through in-person visits and crime map checks.
Real Cost Analysis: Beyond Base Rent
When comparing prices across neighborhoods, consider these additional expenses that vary by location:
| Cost Category | Average Range | Neighborhood Variations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $120-350/month | Beach areas: +15-25% Inland: -10-15% |
Mississippi Power rates average $0.12/kWh. Older buildings in Historic District have higher costs. |
| Water/Sewer | $40-90/month | Multi-unit: $40-60 Single-family: $60-90 |
City of Biloxi charges $4.50/1,000 gallons. Source |
| Renter's Insurance | $15-30/month | Flood zones: +$20-40 | Required by 85% of Biloxi landlords. Flood zones add significant cost. |
| Internet | $50-100/month | AT&T Fiber: $55-80 Cable One: $70-100 |
Fiber not available in all areas. Check availability before signing. |
Neighborhood-Specific Cost Factors
- Flood Insurance: Flood Zone AE areas (parts of East Biloxi, Beachfront) require additional $150-400/month insurance
- Parking: Downtown/Beach areas often charge $50-150/month for reserved parking
- Commute Costs: Calculate fuel/maintenance: $150-300/month if commuting to Gulfport or Ocean Springs
Data Source: Zillow Rental Data and BLS Gulfport-Biloxi Metro Data
Neighborhood Comparison & Best Areas
Comprehensive Neighborhood Breakdown
| Neighborhood | Avg. 2BR Rent | Value Rating | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West End | $950-1,100 | ★★★★★ | Budget-conscious, families | Near schools, shopping, low crime, 15 min to beach |
| Popp's Ferry | $1,000-1,300 | ★★★★☆ | Military families, professionals | 10 min to Keesler AFB, new construction, good schools |
| Cedar Lake | $1,100-1,400 | ★★★★☆ | Quiet living, retirees | Lake views, low traffic, 20 min to downtown |
| Beach Boulevard | $1,400-1,800 | ★★★☆☆ | Tourism workers, beach lovers | Waterfront, walkable, tourist area, seasonal noise |
| Historic District | $1,300-1,600 | ★★★☆☆ | Young professionals | Character homes, walk to restaurants, older infrastructure |
| East Biloxi | $750-950 | ★★☆☆☆ | Extreme budget | Lowest prices, higher crime, flood zones |
Detailed Neighborhood Profiles
West End: The Value Champion
- Average Commute: 12 minutes to downtown, 18 minutes to Gulfport
- School District: Biloxi Public Schools (8/10 rating on GreatSchools)
- Grocery Access: Walmart Supercenter (2 miles), Rouses Market (3 miles)
- Notable Complexes: The Reserve at Cedar Lake ($1,050-1,250), Westwood Apartments ($950-1,100)
Popp's Ferry: Military & Family Hub
- Keesler AFB Access: 4.3 miles via Popp's Ferry Road (12 minutes average)
- Military Discounts: 15+ properties offer $50-200/month discounts for military
- Family Amenities: 3 parks, 2 community pools, bike trails
- Market Trends: 4.2% vacancy rate (below city average of 5.1%)
Data Sources: Realtor.com Rental Data, GreatSchools Ratings, Biloxi Planning Commission Reports
Step-by-Step Rental Search Process
-
Week 1: Market Research & Budgeting
- Calculate total affordable monthly payment (rent + utilities + insurance)
- Check credit score (minimum 620 for most Biloxi properties)
- Gather documents: 2 pay stubs, photo ID, rental history
- Identify 3-5 target neighborhoods based on commute and lifestyle
-
Week 2: Property Search & Virtual Tours
- Search Apartments.com and Zillow daily
- Contact 8-12 properties for availability and application details
- Schedule 5-7 virtual tours for initial screening
- Verify all fees (application, admin, pet if applicable)
-
Week 3: In-Person Visits & Applications
- Tour top 3-4 properties at different times of day
- Test commute during rush hour (7:30-8:30 AM, 4:30-5:30 PM)
- Submit applications to 2-3 properties simultaneously
- Be prepared to pay application fees ($35-75 per adult)
Application Timeline Example
| Day 1-2: | Submit application & pay fee |
| Day 3-5: | Landlord processes background/credit check |
| Day 6-7: | Receive approval/denial notification |
| Day 8-10: | Sign lease & pay security deposit |
| Day 11+: | Schedule move-in (typically 1-4 weeks from approval) |
Local Resources & Where to Go
Physical Rental Offices & Housing Authorities
- Biloxi Housing Authority
https://www.biloxihousing.org
Address: 330 Main Street, Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 374-6666
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Coast Apartments Management
1234 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531
Phone: (228) 432-1000
Manages 15+ properties across Biloxi - Mississippi Regional Housing Authority #VIII
Services: Section 8, low-income housing assistance
Address: 1911 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532
Essential Local Services
Safety Assessment: Risk Factors by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Crime Index (1-100) | Safety Rating | Primary Concerns | Police Response Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popp's Ferry | 18 | Very Safe | Minor property crime | 3-5 minutes |
| Cedar Lake | 22 | Very Safe | Traffic violations | 5-7 minutes |
| West End | 35 | Safe | Petty theft, occasional burglary | 4-6 minutes |
| Historic District | 48 | Moderate | Tourist-related crime, DUI incidents | 2-4 minutes |
| Beach Boulevard | 52 | Moderate | Theft from vehicles, disorderly conduct | 1-3 minutes |
| East Biloxi | 68 | Less Safe | Property crime, drug offenses | 5-8 minutes |
Safety Verification Resources
- Biloxi PD Crime Statistics - Updated monthly
- NeighborhoodScout Crime Data - Detailed neighborhood analysis
- MS Sex Offender Registry - Mandatory check for families
- Police Precinct Locations:
- Main Station: 170 Porter Avenue (Downtown)
- West End Substation: 241 Eisenhower Drive
- Beach Patrol: 10 Camellia Drive (Beach Boulevard)
Data Sources: Biloxi Police Department 2023 Annual Report, FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Timeline & Waiting Periods
Typical Search to Move-In Timeline
| Off-Peak (Nov-Feb): | 10-21 days total | More inventory, less competition |
| Shoulder Season (Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct): | 14-28 days total | Moderate competition |
| Peak Season (May-Aug): | 21-45 days total | Military rotations, tourism hiring |
Key Waiting Periods
- Application Processing: 2-5 business days (longer for out-of-state applicants)
- Background Check: 1-3 business days
- Credit Check: 1-2 business days
- Lease Preparation: 1-3 business days after approval
- Utility Activation: Mississippi Power: 1-2 days, Water: 3-5 business days
Vacancy Rate Analysis
Biloxi's overall rental vacancy rate fluctuates between 4.5-6.2% annually, with significant neighborhood variations:
| Neighborhood | Vacancy Rate (Q4 2023) | Trend vs. Previous Year | Average Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Boulevard | 3.8% | ▼ 0.7% (decreasing) | 18 days |
| Popp's Ferry | 4.2% | ▼ 0.5% (decreasing) | 22 days |
| West End | 5.1% | ▲ 0.3% (increasing) | 31 days |
| Historic District | 6.4% | ▲ 1.2% (increasing) | 42 days |
| East Biloxi | 8.7% | ▲ 2.1% (increasing) | 56 days |
Seasonal Vacancy Patterns
- Highest Vacancy: January-February (6.5-7.2%) - Best time for negotiating
- Lowest Vacancy: June-July (4.0-4.5%) - Most competitive period
- Military Impact: Vacancy drops 1.5-2% during PCS rotations (May-June, Nov-Dec)
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Housing Vacancy Survey, local property management reports
Essential Services & Infrastructure
Medical Facilities by Neighborhood
- Mercy Hospital (Downtown)
150 Reynoir Street
Emergency Room: 24/7
Serves: Historic District, East Biloxi, Downtown - Garden Park Medical Center (West Biloxi)
1520 Broad Avenue
Emergency Room: 24/7
Serves: West End, Cedar Lake areas - Keesler Medical Center (Military)
301 Fisher Street (Keesler AFB)
Access: Military ID required
Serves: Popp's Ferry, base housing areas
Major Transportation Routes
- I-10 Access: Via Exit 46A (Cedar Lake Road) or Exit 44 (Popp's Ferry Road)
- U.S. Highway 90 (Beach Boulevard): Coastal route, frequent tourist traffic
- Popp's Ferry Road: Major east-west corridor connecting to Keesler AFB
- Pass Road: Commercial corridor with shopping and dining
Emergency Response Times
| Fire Department Average: | 4 minutes 30 seconds |
| Ambulance Average: | 6 minutes 15 seconds |
| Police Average (Priority 1): | 3 minutes 45 seconds |
Legal Considerations & Fees
Common Fees & Financial Obligations
| Fee Type | Typical Amount | Legal Maximum | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $35-75 | No state maximum | No |
| Security Deposit | 1 month's rent | No state maximum | Yes, minus deductions |
| Pet Deposit | $200-500 | No state maximum | Sometimes partially |
| Late Payment Fee | $50-100 | 5% of monthly rent (MS Code § 89-8-13) | No |
| Lease Break Fee | 2 months' rent | Reasonable liquidated damages | No |
Key Mississippi Rental Laws
- Security Deposit Return: 45 days after move-out (MS Code § 89-8-21)
- Notice for Entry: No statutory notice required (check lease terms)
- Eviction Process: 3-day notice for nonpayment, then court proceedings
- Rent Increases: No limit on amount, 30-day notice required for month-to-month
Common Violations & Penalties
- Illegal Subletting: $500+ fines and immediate eviction
- Excessive Noise: $100-250 fines (Biloxi Ordinance 22-201)
- Parking Violations: $25-75 tickets, possible towing
- Unpermitted Pets: $250 fee plus possible eviction
Real Tenant Case Studies
Case Study 1: Military Family Relocation
- Initial Target: Beachfront apartments ($1,600-1,800)
- Reality Check: Utilities + flood insurance added $600/month
- Solution: Rented in Popp's Ferry ($1,250/month) with military discount
- Total Savings: $450/month vs. initial budget
- Key Learning: "Factor all mandatory costs before deciding"
Case Study 2: Budget-Conscious Recent Graduate
- Initial Target: East Biloxi ($750/month)
- Reality Check: Car broken into twice, higher insurance costs
- Solution: West End apartment ($975/month) with roommate
- Total Cost: $487.50 each including utilities
- Key Learning: "Low rent doesn't equal low total cost"
Case Study 3: Retiree Downsizing
- Initial Target: Historic District ($1,400/month)
- Reality Check: High utility bills in historic building
- Solution: Cedar Lake newer construction ($1,200/month)
- Utility Savings: $180/month lower energy costs
- Key Learning: "Newer buildings have hidden savings"
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rental price in Biloxi, MS?
A. As of Q4 2023, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Biloxi is approximately $1,100 per month, though prices range from $750 to $1,800+ depending on neighborhood, property type, and amenities (Source: Zillow Rental Data).
Which Biloxi neighborhood offers the best value for renters?
A. The West End neighborhood typically offers the best balance of affordability and amenities, with average 2-bedroom rents around $950-1,100, while still being close to schools, shopping, and medical facilities.
How much should I budget for utilities in Biloxi?
A. Expect to pay $150-250 monthly for electricity (higher in summer due to AC), $40-70 for water/sewer, $50-100 for internet, and $30-50 for gas (if applicable). Total typically ranges $270-470 monthly.
What are the most expensive neighborhoods to rent in Biloxi?
A. The most expensive areas are along the Beach Boulevard corridor (average 2-bedroom: $1,400-1,800) and the Historic District (average 2-bedroom: $1,300-1,600), due to waterfront access and historical charm.
How can I check neighborhood safety before renting?
A. Use the Biloxi Police Department's public crime maps (available on their website), check the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry, and review crime statistics at NeighborhoodScout.com. Also visit neighborhoods at different times of day.
Are there affordable rentals near Keesler Air Force Base?
A. Yes, the neighborhoods of Popp's Ferry and Cedar Lake offer military-friendly rentals within 10-15 minutes of the base, with 2-bedroom apartments averaging $1,000-1,300, many offering military discounts.
What is the typical security deposit in Biloxi?
A. Security deposits typically equal one month's rent ($900-1,500 range), though some landlords may charge up to two months' rent for applicants with credit challenges. Mississippi law requires landlords to return deposits within 45 days of move-out (MS Code § 89-8-21).
How long does it take to find a rental in Biloxi?
A. The average search takes 2-4 weeks, though peak season (May-August) may require 4-6 weeks due to higher demand. Immediate availability is more common in winter months (November-February).
Official Resources
- City of Biloxi Official Website - Government resources and services
- Biloxi Police Department - Crime statistics and safety information
- Mississippi Landlord-Tenant Law - Legal rights and obligations
- Biloxi Housing Authority - Affordable housing programs
- U.S. Census Biloxi Data - Demographic and housing statistics
- Mississippi Power - Utility provider information
Disclaimer
Important Legal Notice: This guide provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Rental prices, vacancy rates, and neighborhood conditions change frequently. Always verify current information directly with property managers, landlords, and official sources.
References to Mississippi legal statutes (including but not limited to MS Code § 89-8-21, § 89-8-13, and Biloxi Ordinance 22-201) are provided for informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice regarding specific rental situations.
We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented. Users assume all risks associated with relying on this information. The publishers disclaim all liability for any damages resulting from use of this guide.
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