Moving from Atlanta, GA to Jackson, MS
The 382 mi from Atlanta to Jackson translate to about 7h behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
382 mi Β· 7h by car Β· GA β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 59, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.058 to 89.048, putting Jackson roughly 11.0% below Atlanta on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Jackson: 11.0% below Atlanta on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 51.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.0% between Atlanta and Jackson (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 Georgia 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.
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.
- 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 Atlanta to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 382 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jackson, MS from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 382 mi and the route typically takes 7h via I 20 and I 59. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jackson more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 11.0% lower than Atlanta (89.048 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 47.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 77.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Jackson, MS.