Moving from Dallas, TX to Jackson, MS
Moving from Dallas, TX to Jackson, MS covers 398 mi and about 7h 13m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
398 mi Β· 7h 13m by car Β· TX β LA β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Plano, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 89.048, putting Jackson roughly 13.6% below Dallas on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Jackson: 13.6% below Dallas on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dallas | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 51.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Jackson is 13.6% below Dallas ($67,760 vs $43,238, ACS 5-year 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 Texas 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 does the job market in Jackson compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $309,421 in Dallas β a 71.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $67,760 in Dallas β a 36.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 398 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jackson more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 13.6% lower than Dallas (89.048 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Jackson, MS from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 398 mi and the route typically takes 7h 13m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 3 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 Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX Β· Jackson, MS.