Moving from Omaha, NE to Jackson, MS
The drive from Omaha, NE to Jackson, MS runs 866 mi β about 16h 14m 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.
866 mi Β· 16h 14m by car Β· NE β IA β MO β AR β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β MO β AR β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 71, I 29, US 65 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Jackson and Omaha are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.911 vs 89.048); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Jackson typical home at $87,256 is 3.1% under Omaha at $294,189 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 51.3" |
Climate warms by 14.7Β°F on the annual average β 51.3Β°F β 66.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.1% between Omaha 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 Nebraska 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 does the job market in Jackson compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jackson more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 3.1% lower than Omaha (89.048 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 40.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 866 mi and the route typically takes 16h 14m via US 71 and I 29. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 866 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 Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 70.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Jackson, MS.