Moving from Jackson, MS to Memphis, TN
The 208 mi from Jackson to Memphis translate to about 3h 51m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
208 mi · 3h 51m by car · TN → MS
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 220, TN 175 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Jackson (89.048) and Memphis (92.179) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Memphis: 3.5% above Jackson on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jackson | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 54.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.47 |
Income steps up 3.5%: $43,238 in Jackson vs $51,211 in Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92°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: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — 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 Memphis, TN from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 208 mi and the route typically takes 3h 51m via I 55 and I 220. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $43,238 in Jackson — a 18.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 208 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Memphis more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.5% higher than Jackson (92.179 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $87,256 in Jackson — a 65.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS · Memphis, TN.