Moving from Kansas City, KS to Jackson, MS
The drive from Kansas City, KS to Jackson, MS runs 688 mi β about 12h 56m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
688 mi Β· 12h 56m by car Β· KS β MO β AR β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β AR β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 71, US 65, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Jackson and Kansas City are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.543 vs 89.048); 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: Jackson typical home at $87,256 is 3.8% under Kansas City at $198,195 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 51.3" |
Climate warms by 9.1Β°F on the annual average β 56.9Β°F β 66.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.8% between Kansas City and Jackson (ACS 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 Kansas 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.
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.
- 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 Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 3.8% lower than Kansas City (89.048 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $59,183 in Kansas City β a 26.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Kansas 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 688 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $198,195 in Kansas City β a 56.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Jackson, MS from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 688 mi and the route typically takes 12h 56m via US 71 and US 65. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, KS Β· Jackson, MS.