Moving from Jackson, MS to Garland, TX
The 398 mi from Jackson to Garland translate to about 7h 18m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
398 mi Β· 7h 18m by car Β· TX β LA β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, SPUR 557 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.048 in Jackson to 103.09 in Garland, a 15.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Garland: 15.8% above Jackson on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 41.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 3.04 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 15.8% between Jackson and Garland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Garland average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 72.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 228.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Garland, TX from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 398 mi and the route typically takes 7h 18m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Garland?
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.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Garland more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 15.8% higher than Jackson (103.09 vs 89.048, 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 Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Garland, TX.