Moving from Cambridge, MA to Jackson, MS
Relocating 1409 mi from Cambridge to Jackson is a 26h 47m drive through 12 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1409 mi Β· 26h 47m by car Β· MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 20, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Allentown |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 17.8% cheaper overall in Jackson than Cambridge on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
17.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 51.3" |
Expect 14.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 17.8% β $126,469 β $43,238 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 (14.8Β°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
How far is Jackson, MS from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1409 mi and the route typically takes 26h 47m via I 81 and I 20. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 65.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 91.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1409 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jackson more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 17.8% lower than Cambridge (89.048 vs 108.266, 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 Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Jackson, MS.