Moving from Worcester, MA to Jackson, MS
It is 1377 mi between Worcester and Jackson β roughly 26h 7m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 11 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1377 mi Β· 26h 7m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Jackson at 89.048 vs Worcester at 102.523.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $430,112 to $87,256 moving to Jackson.
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Worcester | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 51.3" |
Expect 17.9Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.42 |
Jackson households earn about 13.1% less than Worcester at the median β $67,544 β $43,238 on 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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.9Β°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
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1377 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 Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $430,112 in Worcester β a 79.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $67,544 in Worcester β a 36.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jackson more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 13.1% lower than Worcester (89.048 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Jackson, MS from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1377 mi and the route typically takes 26h 7m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 11 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Jackson, MS.