Moving from Knoxville, TN to Jackson, MS
Relocating between Knoxville, TN and Jackson, MS 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
| Knoxville | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.569 vs 89.048 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $369,216 to $87,256 moving to Jackson.
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 51.3" |
Expect 8.1Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.8% lower in Jackson than Knoxville.
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 Tennessee 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.
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 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
Is Jackson more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 3.8% lower than Knoxville (89.048 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Jackson?
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.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 76.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 15.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Jackson, MS from Knoxville, TN?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Jackson, MS.