Moving from Wichita, KS to Jackson, MS
The drive from Wichita, KS to Jackson, MS runs 701 mi β about 12h 53m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
701 mi Β· 12h 53m by car Β· KS β OK β AR β MS
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β AR β MS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 65, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Jackson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 89.048 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 78.137 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.219 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 64.768 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Wichita (88.946) and Jackson (89.048) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Jackson: 0.1% below Wichita on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Jackson -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wichita | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 51.3" |
Climate warms by 8.3Β°F on the annual average β 57.7Β°F β 66.0Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Jackson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 149,827 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $43,238 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.1% between Wichita and Jackson (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.
- 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 household income compare in Wichita vs Jackson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,238 in Jackson vs $63,072 in Wichita β a 31.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Jackson compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,540 in the Jackson MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 252,860 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jackson more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jackson is 0.1% higher than Wichita (89.048 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Jackson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 701 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 Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 701 mi and the route typically takes 12h 53m via I 40 and US 65. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Jackson compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $87,256 in Jackson vs $202,720 in Wichita β a 57.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS Β· Jackson, MS.