Moving from Jackson, MS to Allentown, PA
A move from Jackson, MS to Allentown, PA covers 1114 mi and around 20h 40m of driving through 8 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1114 mi Β· 20h 40m by car Β· MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 20, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.048 in Jackson to 99.968 in Allentown, a 12.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Allentown: 12.3% above Jackson on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 47.4" |
Allentown is 12.9Β°F cooler on the annual average (66.0Β°F vs 53.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 33.1 in of snowfall annually at Allentown.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 12.3% above Jackson ($43,238 vs $53,403, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allentown MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 54,700 | $44,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,170 | $43,910 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,110 | $29,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,400 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 28,860 | $79,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Allentown averages 33.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.9Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1114 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 Allentown compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 254.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allentown, PA from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 1114 mi and the route typically takes 20h 40m via I 81 and I 20. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Allentown more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 12.3% higher than Jackson (99.968 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 23.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 252,860 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 Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Allentown, PA.