Moving from Jackson, MS to New Orleans, LA
Relocating between Jackson, MS and New Orleans, LA is a 191 mi drive β 3h 47m 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.
191 mi Β· 3h 47m by car Β· LA β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 49, I 59, I 10 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | New Orleans | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 92.597 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 71.231 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 86.009 | 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%, New Orleans -3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 60.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in New Orleans β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 376,035 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $55,339 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.43 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.0% β $43,238 β $55,339 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in New Orleans MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 64,460 | $38,680 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 59,980 | $26,320 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 48,630 | $37,420 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 48,580 | $31,100 |
| Management Occupations | 33,120 | $101,850 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Louisiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Louisiana'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 New Orleans average 91Β°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: New Orleans averages 60.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit during unpack.
- 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 Louisiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is New Orleans more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in New Orleans is 4.0% higher than Jackson (92.597 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in New Orleans compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,493 in New Orleans vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 177.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to New Orleans?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 191 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs New Orleans?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,339 in New Orleans vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 28.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is New Orleans, LA from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 191 mi and the route typically takes 3h 47m via US 49 and I 59. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in New Orleans compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 514,800 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· New Orleans, LA.