Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Jackson, MS
The 191 mi from Tuscaloosa to Jackson translate to about 3h 34m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
191 mi · 3h 34m by car · MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 82, I 55 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Tuscaloosa (87.722) and Jackson (89.048) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Jackson: 1.5% below Tuscaloosa on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 38°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 51.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 1.5%: $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $43,238 in Jackson.
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 Alabama 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 92°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 — 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 Tuscaloosa vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa — a 10.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% 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 — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jackson, MS from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 191 mi and the route typically takes 3h 34m via I 20 and US 82. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jackson more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 1.5% higher than Tuscaloosa (89.048 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa — a 61.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL · Jackson, MS.