Moving from Memphis, TN to Jackson, MS
The 208 mi from Memphis to Jackson translate to about 3h 51m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
208 mi · 3h 51m by car · TN → MS
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 220, TN 175 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Jackson and Memphis are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.179 vs 89.048); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Jackson typical home at $87,256 is 3.4% under Memphis at $144,710 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 38°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 51.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 63.4°F vs 66.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.42 |
Income steps down 3.4%: $51,211 in Memphis vs $43,238 in Jackson.
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 Tennessee 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- 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 92°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 — 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
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 208 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jackson more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 3.4% lower than Memphis (89.048 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 39.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 15.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jackson, MS from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 208 mi and the route typically takes 3h 51m via I 55 and I 220. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 625,340 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Jackson, MS.