Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Jackson, MS
A move from Palm Bay, FL to Jackson, MS covers 754 mi and around 14h 16m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
754 mi Β· 14h 16m by car Β· MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 75, US 49 |
| Major cities en route | Mobile, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Orlando |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Jackson are 11.0% below Palm Bay β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Jackson typical home at $87,256 is 11.0% under Palm Bay at $302,461 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 51.3" |
Jackson is 6.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (72.6Β°F vs 66.0Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Jackson is 11.0% below Palm Bay ($67,521 vs $43,238, ACS 5-year 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 Florida 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
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 754 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jackson, MS from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 754 mi and the route typically takes 14h 16m via I 10 and I 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 71.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 36.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jackson more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 11.0% lower than Palm Bay (89.048 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 236,890 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 Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Jackson, MS.