Movers

California to Mississippi Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 2,014 mile interstate move from California to Mississippi? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Mississippi across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Sushi vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (modern, spanish vs antebellum, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Sushi and Tri-tip, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Barbecue Ribs
  • Mississippi housing costs are 77% less expensive than they are in California
  • Rent in Mississippi is 49.78% more affordable than in California
  • Moving from California to Mississippi will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended California to Mississippi movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

California to Mississippi Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Mississippi

ConsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Droughts and wildfires
  • High taxes
ProsMississippi iconMississippi
  • Affordable housing
  • Less crowded roads
  • Abundant greenery
  • Lower tax burden

Mississippi iconMississippi
  • Limited tech industry
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Less cultural variety
  • Fewer urban amenities
California iconCalifornia
  • Innovative tech hubs
  • Mild, diverse climate
  • Cultural diversity
  • Vibrant cities

Pros of moving from California to Mississippi

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Mississippi with less crowded roads
  • Swap the droughts and wildfires of California for abundant greenery in Mississippi
  • Get ready for a lower tax burden in Mississippi

Cons of moving from California to Mississippi

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from innovative tech hubs in California to live with a limited tech industry in Mississippi
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a mild, diverse climate and have to settle with the con of hot, humid summers
  • Time to bid farewell to cultural diversity and get used to less cultural variety in Mississippi
  • Swap vibrant cities for fewer urban amenities

California vs. Mississippi: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonCaliforniaMississippi
Most iconic local food itemSushiFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishTri-tipBarbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemTacosPo' boys
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastOkra Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The French Laundry
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from California to Mississippi, you will be trading the iconic sushi of California for the equally delicious fried catfish of Mississippi. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful tri-tip and sumptuous tacos, Mississippi residents know they have tasty barbecue ribs and po' boys to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the okra gumbo of Mississippi. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Mississippi, don't wait too long before making your way to Mississippi's acclaimed eateries like Weidmann's, The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen, and Doe's Eat Place.

When comparing lifestyles, Mississippi shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Mississippi compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Mississippi.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Mississippi

ComparisonCaliforniaMississippi
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishAntebellum, Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean View, Eco-friendlyLarge Lots, Historic Homes
  • The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Craftsman architecture typical of Mississippi.
  • Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and eco-friendliness, Mississippi real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and historic homes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Mississippi is less walkable than California.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Mississippi is less bike-friendly than California.
  • Mississippi has less of an urban feel than California.
  • Mississippi housing costs are 77% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $178,490 compared to California’s $783,666.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Mississippi have increased by 31% compared to a 42% increase in California.
  • Rent in Mississippi is 49.78% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Mississippi

ComparisonCaliforniaMississippi
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityVaries widely by areaGenerally good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/55Β°F91Β°F/72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)68Β°F/48Β°F55Β°F/35Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)2259
Annual Snowfall (Inches)41
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Mississippi. Mississippi gets 23% fewer sunshine days than California.
  • Mississippi has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Mississippi is 6 degrees warmer than in California.
  • The average winter lows are 13 degrees colder than they are in California.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Mississippi. Mississippi receives 37 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Mississippi

ComparisonCaliforniaMississippi
Avg. Household Income$91,551$52,719
Cost of Living Index136.492.1
State Income Tax13.3%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.76%0.81%
Avg. Sales Tax8.44%7%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceHighLow
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessWidespreadLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Mississippi tend to earn about 42% less than in California
  • The COLI in Mississippi will be 32% lower than what you are used to living in California
  • The state income tax in MS is 5% compared to 13.3% in CA
  • The affluence in Mississippi is low compared to high affluence in California
  • The poverty level is high in Mississippi compared to moderate poverty in California
  • In terms of homelessness, it is widespread in California and low in Mississippi

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Mississippi

ComparisonCaliforniaMississippi
Political Make-upDemocratic leaningRepublican leaning
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesConservative policies
ReligionMore secular, diverse religious communitiesHighly religious, predominantly Christian
  • California tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Mississippi, on the other hand, is often described as Republican
  • Mississippi's religious environment can be described as highly religious and predominantly Christian
  • California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more secular and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from California to Mississippi

ComparisonCaliforniaMississippi
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State
University of Southern Mississippi
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOrion Alternative (Redwood City)
Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley)
Pacific Elementary (Manhattan Beach)
Madison Station Elementary (Madison)
Annunciation Catholic School (Columbus)
Eastside Elementary (Clinton)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPreuss School (La Jolla)
Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael)
Cupertino Middle (Cupertino)
Northwest Rankin Middle (Flowood)
Oxford Middle (Oxford)
Lewisburg Middle (Olive Branch)
Top 3 High School SchoolsCalifornia Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Whitney High (Cerritos)
Murrah High School (Jackson)
Tupelo High School (Tupelo)
Ocean Springs High School (Ocean Springs)
Top 3 private high schoolsHarvard-Westlake (Studio City)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Jackson Preparatory (Flowood)
Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison)
St. Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCastilleja School (Palo Alto)
The Athenian School (Danville)
Cate School (Carpinteria)
Jackson Academy (Jackson)
Heritage Academy (Columbus)
Hillcrest Christian School (Jackson)
Top 3 School DistrictsSan Marino Unified
Palo Alto Unified
Arcadia Unified
Madison County Schools
Clinton Public School District
Ocean Springs School District

How Much Do California to Mississippi Movers Cost?

Moving 2,014 miles from California to Mississippi will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,344300 ft3$7.81
1 Bedroom$3,494450 ft3$7.76
2 Bedrooms$5,786750 ft3$7.71
3 Bedrooms$8,4311100 ft3$7.66
4 Bedrooms$12,1831600 ft3$7.61
5+ Bedrooms$13,6161800 ft3$7.56

Top California to Mississippi Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best California to Mississippi movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for California to Mississippi

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. featured image

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details

Los Angeles to Mississippi

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San Francisco to Mississippi

Fresno to Mississippi

Sacramento to Mississippi

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Anaheim to Mississippi

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Riverside to Mississippi

Stockton to Mississippi

Irvine to Mississippi

Chula Vista to Mississippi

Fremont to Mississippi

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      Modesto to Mississippi

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                                    Lancaster to Mississippi

                                      Salinas to Mississippi

                                        Palmdale to Mississippi

                                          Sunnyvale to Mississippi

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                                              Escondido to Mississippi