Moving from Jackson, MS to Dayton, OH
It is 740 mi between Jackson and Dayton β roughly 13h 45m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 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.
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
| Jackson | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.048 vs 92.694 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 4.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $87,256 to $136,592 moving to Dayton.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 41.7" |
Annual temperature drops 12.7Β°F moving to Dayton per NOAA normals.
Dayton averages 12.3 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, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Jackson ($43,238) and Dayton ($43,454) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 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 (12.7Β°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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 0.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Dayton?
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.
Is Dayton more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 4.1% higher than Jackson (92.694 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 56.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Dayton, OH from Jackson, MS?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Dayton, OH.