Moving from Boise City, ID to Jackson, MS

Cross-country relocations like Boise City, ID β†’ Jackson, MS cover 2023 mi and about 34h 52m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.

2023 mi Β· 34h 52m by car Β· ID β†’ UT β†’ WY β†’ CO β†’ KS β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ MS

COL -9.5% Ξ” +12.8Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2023 mi
Drive time
34h 52m
States
8
Fuel (25 mpg)
81 gal
Route throughID β†’ UT β†’ WY β†’ CO β†’ KS β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ MS
Primary highwaysI 70, I 80, US 189
Major cities en routeMeridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Fort Collins, Greeley

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Boise CityJacksonU.S. avg
All items (RPP)98.39189.048100.0
Rents70.69578.137100.0
Goods96.17996.219100.0
Services105.5864.768100.0

Overall prices in Jackson are 9.5% below Boise City β€” a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Boise City β€” typical home
β€”
Jackson β€” typical home
$87,256
Jackson β€” typical rent
$1,239/mo

YoY change: Boise City β€”, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsBoise CityJackson
Annual avg temperature53Β°F66Β°F
January avg low26Β°F38Β°F
July avg high93Β°F92Β°F
Annual snowfall17.6"β€”
Annual precipitation11.5"51.3"

Climate warms by 12.8Β°F on the annual average β€” 53.2Β°F β†’ 66.0Β°F.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Boise CityJackson
Population235,701149,827
Median household income$81,308$43,238
Median age38.234.7
Bachelor's degree or higher29.2%16.2%
Avg household size2.372.42

Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.5% between Boise City and Jackson (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Boise City MSA β€” median wage
$45,320
Jackson MSA β€” median wage
$39,540
Boise City MSA β€” employment
372,470
Jackson MSA β€” employment
252,860

Top occupations in Jackson MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 Idaho and Mississippi

Idaho income tax
5.7% top marginal
Mississippi income tax
4.4% top marginal

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 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.

Winter driving along this route

  • Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
  • I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
  • I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β€” check WYDOT 511 before departure.
  • Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β€” check CDOT alerts before departure.

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 (12.8Β°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 far is Jackson, MS from Boise City, ID?

The driving distance is 2023 mi and the route typically takes 34h 52m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Boise City vs Jackson?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $81,308 in Boise City β€” a 46.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Jackson more expensive than Boise City?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 9.5% lower than Boise City (89.048 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

When is the best time to move from Boise City 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 2023 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How does the job market in Jackson compare to Boise City?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boise City.

City profiles: Boise City, ID Β· Jackson, MS.

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