Moving from Jackson, MS to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating 1190 mi from Jackson to Elizabeth is a 22h 11m drive through 9 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.
1190 mi Β· 22h 11m by car Β· MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β MD β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 20, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Allentown |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Elizabeth is 26.4% 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 $534,667 in Elizabeth, a 26.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 46.6" |
Expect 10.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Elizabeth sees 31.5 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, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 26.4% β $43,238 β $63,874 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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: Elizabeth averages 31.5 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 (10.5Β°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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 47.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 1190 mi and the route typically takes 22h 11m via I 81 and I 20. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 512.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1190 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 26.4% higher than Jackson (112.563 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 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· Elizabeth, NJ.