Moving to Mississippi: costs, checklist and what to know
Mississippi at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Jackson · capital Jackson · Central time.
Quick facts for moving to Mississippi
- Income tax: Mississippi taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Mississippi Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Mississippi's statewide sales tax rate is 7%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Mississippi driver's license within 60 days, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (Driver Service Bureau).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Jackson (about 420 road miles) runs roughly $680–$1,310 with a rental truck or $2,070–$4,810 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Mississippi
- Jackson is the capital and largest city; the Gulf Coast cities of Gulfport and Biloxi are about three hours south.
- Mississippi has a 7% state sales tax, and groceries are taxed too, though at a lower rate.
- The coast is exposed to hurricanes from June through November, and inland areas see spring tornadoes.
Main cities and metros include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi. Mississippi borders Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama.
How much does it cost to move to Mississippi?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Jackson, the largest city in Mississippi. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 1,280 | $1,860–$3,540 | $3,450–$7,910 |
| Los Angeles | 1,950 | $2,850–$5,400 | $4,520–$10,320 |
| Chicago | 810 | $1,230–$2,350 | $2,700–$6,220 |
| Dallas | 460 | $860–$1,690 | $2,140–$4,960 |
| Atlanta | 420 | $680–$1,310 | $2,070–$4,810 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Mississippi moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Mississippi
October–November and March–April. Summers are hot and humid.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Mississippi new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Mississippi: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Mississippi?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 420 miles from Atlanta to Jackson costs roughly $680–$1,310 if you rent a truck or $2,070–$4,810 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Mississippi have a state income tax?
Yes. Mississippi taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Mississippi Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Mississippi?
Mississippi's statewide sales tax rate is 7%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Mississippi driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (Driver Service Bureau). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Mississippi?
October–November and March–April. Summers are hot and humid.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Mississippi Department of Revenue and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (Driver Service Bureau), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.