Moving from Columbia, SC to Jackson, MS
Relocating 604 mi from Columbia to Jackson is a 11h 18m drive through 4 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.
604 mi Β· 11h 18m by car Β· MS β AL β GA β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AL β GA β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 459, SC 12 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.662 vs 89.048 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $229,068 to $87,256 moving to Jackson.
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | 51.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Columbia (63.6Β°F) and Jackson (66.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.9% β $55,653 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 South Carolina 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.
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 far is Jackson, MS from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 604 mi and the route typically takes 11h 18m via I 20 and I 459. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 604 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 Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $55,653 in Columbia β a 22.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $229,068 in Columbia β a 61.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Jackson more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 4.9% lower than Columbia (89.048 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC Β· Jackson, MS.