Moving from Jackson, MS to Baltimore, MD
It is 1019 mi between Jackson and Baltimore β roughly 18h 52m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1019 mi Β· 18h 52m by car Β· MD β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Baltimore | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 104.487 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 110.215 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 102.353 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 118.194 | 100.0 |
Baltimore runs about 17.3% more expensive overall than Jackson β RPP 89.048 β 104.487.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $87,256 in Jackson to $188,101 in Baltimore, a 17.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Baltimore -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 43.7" |
Annual temperature drops 6.9Β°F moving to Baltimore per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 577,193 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $59,623 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 18.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.3 |
Baltimore households earn about 17.3% more than Jackson at the median β $43,238 β $59,623 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Baltimore MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,740 | $46,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,980 | $42,010 |
| Management Occupations | 113,490 | $120,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 107,080 | $84,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 102,740 | $35,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Maryland
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Maryland'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Baltimore average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Maryland after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Baltimore, MD from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 1019 mi and the route typically takes 18h 52m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Baltimore?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1019 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Baltimore more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Baltimore is 17.3% higher than Jackson (104.487 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Baltimore compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 1,304,310 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Baltimore compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $188,101 in Baltimore vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 115.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Baltimore?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,623 in Baltimore vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 37.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Baltimore, MD.