Moving from Jackson, MS to Alexandria, VA
Relocating 979 mi from Jackson to Alexandria is a 18h 7m drive through 5 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.
979 mi Β· 18h 7m by car Β· VA β TN β GA β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN β GA β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Alexandria is 22.3% more expensive than Jackson on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $87,256 in Jackson to $676,205 in Alexandria, a 22.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 41.8" |
Expect 6.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.08 |
Expect median household income to rise 22.3% β $43,238 β $113,638 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Alexandria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 384,770 | $101,420 |
| Management Occupations | 304,760 | $154,420 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 296,400 | $48,960 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 244,010 | $35,930 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 239,700 | $129,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Alexandria averages 13.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Virginia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 979 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 162.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 979 mi and the route typically takes 18h 7m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 675.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Alexandria more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 22.3% higher than Jackson (108.884 vs 89.048, 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 Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Alexandria, VA.