Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Jackson, MS
It is 948 mi between Ann Arbor and Jackson β roughly 17h 15m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
948 mi Β· 17h 15m by car Β· MS β TN β AR β MO β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β TN β AR β MO β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 55, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Joliet, Chicago, Naperville, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.7% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Jackson at 89.048 vs Ann Arbor at 100.88.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $523,391 to $87,256 moving to Jackson.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 51.3" |
Expect 17.8Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.42 |
Jackson households earn about 11.7% less than Ann Arbor at the median β $81,089 β $43,238 on 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 Michigan 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.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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 (17.8Β°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
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 948 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 83.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 46.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 948 mi and the route typically takes 17h 15m via I 57 and I 55. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jackson more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 11.7% lower than Ann Arbor (89.048 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Jackson, MS.