Moving from Jackson, MS to Huntsville, AL
Moving from Jackson, MS to Huntsville, AL covers 333 mi and about 6h 7m by car through 2 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.
333 mi Β· 6h 7m by car Β· AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 59, US 80 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Huntsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 93.072 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 83.931 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 77.946 | 100.0 |
Huntsville and Jackson are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.048 vs 93.072); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Huntsville typical home at $287,569 is 4.5% above Jackson at $87,256 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Huntsville +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 54.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 62.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 2.4 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 218,814 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $70,778 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.33 |
Median household income in Huntsville is 4.5% above Jackson ($43,238 vs $70,778, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Huntsville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,600 | $39,750 |
| Production Occupations | 22,310 | $44,450 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,530 | $38,160 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 20,460 | $94,520 |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 19,870 | $107,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Mississippi and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 Huntsville 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: Huntsville averages 54.3 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Huntsville compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $287,569 in Huntsville vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 229.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Huntsville, AL from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 333 mi and the route typically takes 6h 7m via I 20 and I 59. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Huntsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 333 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 Huntsville compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 250,940 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Huntsville more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntsville is 4.5% higher than Jackson (93.072 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Huntsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,778 in Huntsville vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 63.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Huntsville, AL.