Moving from Chicago, IL to Jackson, MS
The drive from Chicago, IL to Jackson, MS runs 738 mi β about 13h 28m 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.
738 mi Β· 13h 28m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TN β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TN β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 55, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 89.048, putting Jackson roughly 14.0% below Chicago on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Jackson: 14.0% below Chicago on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 51.3" |
Major climate step-up: 15.2Β°F warmer annual average in Jackson vs Chicago.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.0% between Chicago 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 Illinois 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-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 (15.2Β°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 does household income compare in Chicago vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 42.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 738 mi and the route typically takes 13h 28m via I 57 and I 55. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 738 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 Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jackson more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 14.0% lower than Chicago (89.048 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 72.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Jackson, MS.