Moving from Clearwater, FL to Jackson, MS
Relocating 671 mi from Clearwater to Jackson is a 13h 30m drive through 3 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.
671 mi Β· 13h 30m by car Β· MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 98, US 19 |
| Major cities en route | Mobile, Tallahassee, Tampa, St Petersburg |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.7% cheaper overall in Jackson than Clearwater on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 51.3" |
Expect 7.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.7% β $64,440 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 Florida 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
How far is Jackson, MS from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 671 mi and the route typically takes 13h 30m via I 10 and US 98. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jackson more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 11.7% lower than Clearwater (89.048 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 74.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 32.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 671 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 Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 1,412,840 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 Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Jackson, MS.