Moving from Dayton, OH to Jackson, MS
Relocating 740 mi from Dayton to Jackson is a 13h 45m 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.
740 mi Β· 13h 45m by car Β· MS β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 55, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 51.3" |
Expect 12.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.42 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Ohio 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.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 (12.7Β°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 Dayton vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 0.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 36.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 740 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jackson, MS from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 740 mi and the route typically takes 13h 45m via I 40 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jackson more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 3.9% lower than Dayton (89.048 vs 92.694, 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 Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH Β· Jackson, MS.