Moving from St. Louis, MO to Jackson, MS
Relocating between St. Louis, MO and Jackson, MS is a 495 mi drive β 8h 58m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
495 mi Β· 8h 58m by car Β· MO β AR β TN β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β AR β TN β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 78, I 220 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Jackson at 89.048 vs St. Louis at 95.088.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 51.3" |
Expect 8.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.4% β $55,279 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 Missouri 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
- 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.
- 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 St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Jackson, MS from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 495 mi and the route typically takes 8h 58m via I 55 and US 78. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 21.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jackson more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 6.4% lower than St. Louis (89.048 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 495 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Jackson, MS.