Moving from Topeka, KS to Jackson, MS
It is 735 mi between Topeka and Jackson β roughly 13h 46m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
735 mi Β· 13h 46m by car Β· MS β AR β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β AR β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 65, I 49, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Topeka and Jackson sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $190,096 in Topeka to $87,256 in Jackson, a 0.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 51.3" |
Annual temperature rises 11.1Β°F moving to Jackson per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.42 |
Jackson households earn about 0.3% less than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $43,238 on 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 far is Jackson, MS from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 735 mi and the route typically takes 13h 46m via US 65 and I 49. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 22.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 54.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 735 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Jackson more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 0.3% higher than Topeka (89.048 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Jackson, MS.