Moving from Allentown, PA to Jackson, MS
A move from Allentown, PA to Jackson, MS covers 1114 mi and around 20h 40m of driving through 8 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1114 mi Β· 20h 40m by car Β· MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 20, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 99.968 to 89.048, putting Jackson roughly 10.9% below Allentown on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Jackson: 10.9% below Allentown on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 51.3" |
Jackson runs 12.9Β°F warmer on the annual average (53.1Β°F vs 66.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Jackson is 10.9% below Allentown ($53,403 β $43,238, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jackson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,490 | $36,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 26,230 | $36,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,080 | $29,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 22,970 | $66,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,370 | $22,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Mississippi
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Mississippi's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Jackson average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jackson averages 51.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Mississippi after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 19.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 1114 mi and the route typically takes 20h 40m via I 81 and I 20. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 71.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1114 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jackson more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 10.9% lower than Allentown (89.048 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Jackson, MS.