Moving from Jackson, MS to Mobile, AL
Moving from Jackson, MS to Mobile, AL covers 195 mi and about 3h 60m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
195 mi · 3h 60m by car · AL → MS
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 49, US 98, AL 158 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Mobile and Jackson is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Mobile is 1.1% above Jackson — $87,256 vs $194,564 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jackson | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 69°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 60.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Jackson (66.0°F) and Mobile (69.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Mobile is 1.1% above Jackson ($43,238 → $51,090, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mobile MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,320 | $36,270 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 19,630 | $37,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,350 | $31,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,680 | $23,720 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,550 | $64,370 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mobile 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: Mobile averages 60.5 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Mobile compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Mobile more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 1.1% lower than Jackson (88.098 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $87,256 in Jackson — a 123.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mobile, AL from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 195 mi and the route typically takes 3h 60m via US 49 and US 98. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 195 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $43,238 in Jackson — a 18.2% 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 · Mobile, AL.