Moving from McAllen, TX to Jackson, MS
Relocating 789 mi from McAllen to Jackson is a 14h 50m drive through 3 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.
789 mi Β· 14h 50m by car Β· MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 55, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Beaumont, Pasadena, League City, Houston, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McAllen | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.895 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.186 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 55.892 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: McAllen +0.4%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McAllen | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 98Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.7" | 51.3" |
Expect 9.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCALLEN, TX US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McAllen | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,789 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $60,165 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.3% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.7% β $60,165 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 Texas 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
How does the job market in Jackson compare to McAllen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $32,550 in the McAllen MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 285,850 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Jackson, MS from McAllen, TX?
The driving distance is 789 mi and the route typically takes 14h 50m via I 10 and I 55. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 789 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jackson more expensive than McAllen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 3.7% higher than McAllen (89.048 vs 85.895, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to McAllen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $229,001 in McAllen β a 61.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in McAllen vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $60,165 in McAllen β a 28.1% lower 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 McAllen.
City profiles: McAllen, TX Β· Jackson, MS.