Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Jackson, MS
The drive from Rio Rancho, NM to Jackson, MS runs 1060 mi β about 19h 2m 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.
1060 mi Β· 19h 2m by car Β· MS β LA β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 80, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Shreveport, Tyler, Mesquite, Garland, Dallas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rio Rancho | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 95.546 to 89.048, putting Jackson roughly 6.8% below Rio Rancho on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Jackson: 6.8% below Rio Rancho on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rio Rancho +0.3%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rio Rancho | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.5" | 51.3" |
Climate warms by 8.0Β°F on the annual average β 58.0Β°F β 66.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO RANCHO #2, NM US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rio Rancho | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,533 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $85,755 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 39 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.7% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.8% between Rio Rancho 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 New Mexico 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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
How does household income compare in Rio Rancho vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $85,755 in Rio Rancho β a 49.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Rio Rancho to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1060 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jackson more expensive than Rio Rancho?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 6.8% lower than Rio Rancho (89.048 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Rio Rancho?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Rio Rancho?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $361,856 in Rio Rancho β a 75.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Jackson, MS from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance is 1060 mi and the route typically takes 19h 2m via US 287 and US 80. 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 Rio Rancho.
City profiles: Rio Rancho, NM Β· Jackson, MS.