Key factors that influence moving costs from Jackson to Washington DC
What to know before moving from Jackson to Washington DC
Moving from Jackson to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Jackson, 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:
Jackson | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,170 | $2,400 |
Average home value | $68,872 | $594,337 |
Average income (per capita) | $57,848 | $101,722 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,969 | $3,963 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,990 | $11,093 |
Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 4.7% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 105% higher than in Jackson, 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 Washington DC are 763.0% higher than in Jackson. - Income in Washington DC is 75.8% higher than in Jackson, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Washington DC include Department of Homeland Security, US Navy, and United States Postal Service.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Washington DC, since the cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 101.3% higher than in Jackson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Washington DC, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 122.3% higher than in Jackson.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 9.09% lower than in Jackson.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the cityโs sales taxes in Washington DC are 25.00% lower than in Jackson.
- State income taxes in Washington DC are 22.34% higher than in Jackson.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,038.09 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jackson.
How life is different in Jackson vs. Washington DC
Washington DC | Jackson | |
---|---|---|
Population | 705,749 | 153,701 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 2 |
Walkability score | 77 | 26 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 33 |
Crime Index | 60.37 | 82.38 |
Safety Index | 39.63 | 17.62 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Washington DC is about 359% greater than Jackson, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Jackson, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 2 in Jackson. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Washington DC means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Jackson. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Jackson, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 26 out of 100 in Jackson. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Washington DC is considered more bike-friendly than Jackson in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, while Jackson is rated as 33 out of 100.
- Washington DC has a lower crime rate than Jackson based on scores of 60.37 and Jackson's 82.38, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Washington DC than in Jackson, based on Washington DCโs safety index of 39.63 versus 17.62 for Jackson. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Washington DC and Jackson is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Jackson vs. Washington DC move
- Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Maryland moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Maryland doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Washington DC. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Washington DC
Ready to relocate to "DC"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Washington DC.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Adams Morgan
- Capitol Hill
- Cleveland Park
- Foggy Bottom
- Logan Circle
Best neighborhoods for families
- AU-Tenleytown
- Chevy Chase
- Cleveland Park
- Georgetown
- The Palisades
Things to do in Washington DC
Once youโre settled into your new home in Maryland, itโs time to get out and discover what Washington DC has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Washington DC features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Air and Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA), or D.C. Untied (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Jackson to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Jackson to Washington DC. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Jackson.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jackson to Washington DC?
Because spring and fall moves from Jackson to Washington DC are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Jackson to Washington DC take?
Covering 978 miles, the move from Jackson, MS to Washington DC, MD typically takes two to seven days. Some Jackson movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWashington DC can help bridge the gap.