Moving from Jackson, MS to Ann Arbor, MI
It is 948 mi between Jackson and Ann Arbor β roughly 17h 15m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
948 mi Β· 17h 15m by car Β· MS β TN β AR β MO β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β TN β AR β MO β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 55, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Joliet, Chicago, Naperville, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 13.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $87,256 to $523,391 moving to Ann Arbor.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 37.9" |
Expect 17.8Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.43 |
Ann Arbor households earn about 13.3% more than Jackson at the median β $43,238 β $81,089 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 13.3% higher than Jackson (100.88 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 948 mi and the route typically takes 17h 15m via I 57 and I 55. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 87.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 948 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 499.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Ann Arbor, MI.