Moving from Jackson, MS to Knoxville, TN
Relocating between Jackson, MS and Knoxville, TN is a 494 mi drive β 9h 6m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
494 mi Β· 9h 6m by car Β· TN β GA β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 20, US 80 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 55.8" |
Expect 8.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.28 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.0% higher in Knoxville than Jackson.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Knoxville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,000 | $39,660 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 40,780 | $28,680 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 39,220 | $36,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,880 | $32,470 |
| Production Occupations | 33,840 | $41,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Knoxville averages 55.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Knoxville, TN from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 494 mi and the route typically takes 9h 6m via I 59 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 323.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 17.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 4.0% higher than Jackson (92.569 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 494 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Knoxville, TN.