EXHIBIT 23


            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC.

We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in the  registration  statements
(Nos.  333-109769  and  333-29159) on Form S-3 and the  registration  statements
(Nos. 33-60909, 333-91405,  333-51666, 333-117308 and 333-125719) on Form S-8 of
EastGroup Properties,  Inc. of our report dated March 8, 2006, except as to note
19, which is as of June 8, 2006, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets
of EastGroup Properties,  Inc. as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related
consolidated  statements  of income,  changes in  stockholders'  equity and cash
flows for each of the years in the  three-year  period ended  December 31, 2005,
which report appears in the Current Report on Form 8-K of EastGroup  Properties,
Inc. dated June 8, 2006.

                                    KPMG LLP
Jackson, Mississippi
June 8, 2006