Moving from Jackson, MS to Columbus, GA
It is a 346 mi drive, roughly 6h 45m, between Jackson, MS and Columbus, GA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
346 mi Β· 6h 45m by car Β· GA β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Montgomery |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 89.296 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 89.666 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 96.332 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 61.185 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.048 vs 89.296 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $87,256 to $173,152 moving to Columbus.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Columbus +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 51.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Jackson (66.0Β°F) and Columbus (63.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, COLUMBUS #2, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 204,383 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $56,622 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.54 |
Columbus households earn about 0.3% more than Jackson at the median β $43,238 β $56,622 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,210 | $36,160 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,270 | $24,510 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,950 | $28,800 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,170 | $34,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 7,820 | $65,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 Columbus 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: Columbus averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,490 in the Columbus MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 113,970 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 Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 346 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Columbus more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 0.3% higher than Jackson (89.296 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $173,152 in Columbus vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 98.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,622 in Columbus vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 31.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Columbus, GA from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 346 mi and the route typically takes 6h 45m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Columbus, GA.