Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Jackson, MS
Relocating 1196 mi from Jersey City to Jackson is a 22h 14m drive through 9 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1196 mi Β· 22h 14m by car Β· NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jersey City | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Jackson sits 20.9% cheaper than Jersey City on the BEA RPP, one of the larger gaps you will see between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $658,269 in Jersey City to $87,256 in Jackson, a 20.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jersey City | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 51.3" |
Expect 11.2Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 20.9% β $94,813 β $43,238 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jackson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,490 | $36,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 26,230 | $36,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,080 | $29,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 22,970 | $66,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,370 | $22,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Mississippi
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Mississippi'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Jackson 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: Jackson averages 51.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Mississippi after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Jackson more expensive than Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 20.9% lower than Jersey City (89.048 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Jersey City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1196 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 Jersey City vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $94,813 in Jersey City β a 54.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 1196 mi and the route typically takes 22h 14m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $658,269 in Jersey City β a 86.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ Β· Jackson, MS.