Moving from Jackson, MS to Montgomery, AL
Relocating between Jackson, MS and Montgomery, AL is a 250 mi drive β 4h 57m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
250 mi Β· 4h 57m by car Β· AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 80, I 20, AL 14 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Jackson and Montgomery sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $87,256 in Jackson to $151,228 in Montgomery, a 0.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 51.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.0Β°F vs 67.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.46 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.7% β $43,238 β $55,687 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Montgomery MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,200 | $37,110 |
| Production Occupations | 16,130 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,580 | $35,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,470 | $30,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,170 | $24,070 |
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 Montgomery average 94Β°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: Montgomery averages 51.8 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
Is Montgomery more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 0.7% higher than Jackson (89.682 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 252,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 73.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 250 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 28.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Montgomery, AL from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 250 mi and the route typically takes 4h 57m via US 80 and I 20. The trip crosses 2 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· Montgomery, AL.