Des Moines, IA to Jackson, MS Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→MS movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Jackson

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Jackson runs about 4% higher for singles and 14% higher for families than Des Moines.

Singles spend around $1,969 in Jackson versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $4,990 compared with $4,380.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Des Moines	Jackson
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$867
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$2,167
Average home value	$192,347	$68,872
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$57,848
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$1,969
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$4,990
Unemployment rate	5.9%	7.7%
Sales tax	7.0%	8.0%
State income tax	4.4%	4.7%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Switching from Des Moines to Jackson won't strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
With home prices being nearly 64% cheaper in Jackson, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Jackson and Des Moines, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Jackson and Des Moines, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
As you plan your move to Jackson, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 14% more than it is in Des Moines.
The unemployment rate in Jackson exceeds that of Des Moines by about 31%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
Sales taxes in Jackson exceed those in Des Moines by 14%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
Income taxes are 7% higher in Mississippi than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Des Moines and Jackson, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Jackson
Basic utilities	$144.82	$213.78
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$58.88
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$4.12
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$2.83
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$15.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$60.00
Gym membership	$66.67	$65.00

Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Jackson, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Jackson.
Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Jackson.
Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Jackson.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Jackson.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Jackson.
Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Jackson.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Jackson

	Des Moines	Jackson
Population	699,292	153,701
Transportation score	5	2
Walkability score	45	26
Bike friendliness score	39	33
Crime index	5.0	82.38
Safety index	57.8	17.62
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Jackson's population is about 78% less than Des Moines.
Jackson's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's 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 of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
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 to Jackson move

HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
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, you’ll want to check that they have an up-to-date MSPC Number. If they do, it means that they’re authorized to move household goods within the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State regulator: You can check the status of a Mississippi moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Mississippi, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Jackson without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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

Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Jackson.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Ridgeland
Flowood
Madison
Starkville
Hattiesburg
Brandon

Best neighborhoods for families

Madison
Clinton
Flowood
Brandon
Ridgeland
Pearl
Florence
Richland
Cleary

Things to do in Jackson

Now that you've made the move to Mississippi, it's the perfect time to explore Jackson. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Jackson include museums and art centers like the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Children's Museum, and Old Capitol Museum.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate LeFleur's Bluff State Park, Battlefield Park, and Smith Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Jackson State University Tigers (college sports)Mississippi Braves (Minor League Baseball)Jackson Bandits (defunct hockey team)Magnolia Roller Vixens (roller derby) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

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. You'll 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?

With many people choosing to move from Des Moines to Jackson in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Jackson take?

Covering 824 miles, the move from Des Moines, IA to Jackson, MS typically takes two to seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Jackson can help bridge the gap.

How many movers in Des Moines can handle specialty items for my move to Jackson?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Des Moines, 10 movers can handle pianos. 6 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IA, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.