Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Jackson, MS
Relocating 968 mi from Virginia Beach to Jackson is a 18h 23m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
968 mi Β· 18h 23m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 20, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Virginia Beach | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.1% moving from Virginia Beach to Jackson β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $427,032 in Virginia Beach to $87,256 in Jackson, a 9.1% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Virginia Beach +2.8%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Virginia Beach | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 51.3" |
Expect 6.2Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OCEANA NAS, VA US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Virginia Beach | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,066 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $90,685 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.1% β $90,685 β $43,238 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Virginia 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Virginia Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Jackson, MS from Virginia Beach, VA?
The driving distance is 968 mi and the route typically takes 18h 23m via I 85 and I 20. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Virginia Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $427,032 in Virginia Beach β a 79.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Virginia Beach vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $90,685 in Virginia Beach β a 52.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jackson more expensive than Virginia Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 9.1% lower than Virginia Beach (89.048 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Virginia Beach to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 968 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Virginia Beach.
City profiles: Virginia Beach, VA Β· Jackson, MS.