Factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Jackson
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Jackson
Moving from Des Moines to Jackson comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Jackson is generally more expensive than Des Moines, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Des Moines | Jackson | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,150 | $1,170 |
Average home value | $192,347 | $68,872 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $57,848 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,891 | $1,969 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,380 | $4,990 |
Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.7% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 4.4% | 4.7% |
- Rent prices in Jackson are 2% higher than in Des Moines, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Jackson.
Home prices in Jackson are 64.2% lower than in Des Moines. - Income in Jackson is 1.1% lower than in Des Moines, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Jackson include Newk's Eatery, Cal-Maine Foods, and Ergon.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Jackson, since the cost of living for a single person in Jackson is 4.1% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Jackson, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jackson is 13.9% higher than in Des Moines.
- The unemployment rate in Jackson is 30.51% higher than in Des Moines.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Jackson, since the cityโs sales taxes in Jackson are 14.29% higher than in Des Moines.
- State income taxes in Jackson are 6.82% higher than in Des Moines.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,123.74 in Jackson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Jackson
Jackson | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Population | 153,701 | 699,292 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 5 |
Walkability score | 26 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 33 | 39 |
Crime Index | 82.38 | 5.0 |
Safety Index | 17.62 | 57.8 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Jackson's population is about 78% less than Des Moines.
- Jackson's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
- Jackson is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- Jackson has a bike-friendliness score 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
- Jackson's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 82.38 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Jackson neighborhoods are safer than 82.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Jackson is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 17.62 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Jackson is good, and in Des Moines it's good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines vs. Jackson move
- Weather: October, April and May are the most pleasant months in Jackson so it's best to plan your move during these months. Rain occurs throughout the year, though the winter and spring are the wettest seasons and snow is rare, and accumulation very seldom lasts more than a day.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Like in many other states, movers in Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). When considering hiring a local mover, youโll want to check that they have an up-to-date MSPC Number. If they do, it means that theyโre authorized to move household goods within the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Mississippi moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Mississippi does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Jackson. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection is the cost-free choice provided by movers, but it offers minimal coverage. Movers are only responsible for up to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items, consider exploring alternative options with your chosen moving company or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Jackson
Now that you've decided to make the move to "", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Jackson.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ridgeland
- Madison
- Starkville
- Hattiesburg
- Brandon
Best neighborhoods for families
- Madison
- Flowood
- Ridgeland
- Pearl
- Richland
Things to do in Jackson
After settling into your new Mississippi home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Jackson has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Jackson is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Children's Museum, Old Capitol Museum, and Mississippi Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs LeFleur's Bluff State Park, Battlefield Park, and Smith Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Jackson?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Des Moines to Jackson. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Jackson?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Jackson, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Jackson take?
The 816-mile journey from Des Moines, IA to Jackson, MS typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Des Moines offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jackson.