Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Jackson, MS
The drive from Jacksonville, FL to Jackson, MS runs 594 mi β about 11h 12m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
594 mi Β· 11h 12m by car Β· FL β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 17, FL 228, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Tallahassee, Mobile |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jacksonville | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.484 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.514 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 109.777 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Jackson is 10.5% cheaper than Jacksonville overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Jackson is 10.5% below Jacksonville β $282,895 vs $87,256 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jacksonville -3.1%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jacksonville | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.6" | 51.3" |
Climate cools by 5.4Β°F on the annual average β 71.4Β°F β 66.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSONVILLE NAS, FL US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jacksonville | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 961,739 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $66,981 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.5% between Jacksonville and Jackson (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jackson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,490 | $36,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 26,230 | $36,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,080 | $29,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 22,970 | $66,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,370 | $22,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Mississippi
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Mississippi'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 Jackson average 92Β°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: Jackson averages 51.3 in of annual precipitation β 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 Mississippi after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Jackson, MS from Jacksonville, FL?
The driving distance is 594 mi and the route typically takes 11h 12m via US 17 and FL 228. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jacksonville to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 594 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 Jacksonville vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $66,981 in Jacksonville β a 35.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Jacksonville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $45,420 in the Jacksonville MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 740,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jackson more expensive than Jacksonville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 10.5% lower than Jacksonville (89.048 vs 99.484, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Jacksonville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $282,895 in Jacksonville β a 69.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jacksonville.
City profiles: Jacksonville, FL Β· Jackson, MS.