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Michigan to Mississippi Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 986 mile interstate move from Michigan to Mississippi? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Mississippi across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Pasties vs Catfish), real estate & housing (lakefront cottages, colonial vs antebellum, ranch-style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Michigan), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pasties and Detroit-style pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Catfish & Barbecue ribs
  • Mississippi housing costs are 26% less expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in Mississippi is 5.62% more affordable than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to Mississippi will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Michigan to Mississippi movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to Mississippi Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Mississippi

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Urban congestion
  • Heavy traffic
ProsMississippi iconMississippi
  • Mild winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Rural tranquility
  • Less traffic

Mississippi iconMississippi
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Variable school quality
  • Limited nightlife
  • Less tech presence
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Robust job market
  • Great school systems
  • Bustling urban life
  • Vibrant tech scene

Pros of moving from Michigan to Mississippi

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Mississippi with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the urban congestion of Michigan for rural tranquility in Mississippi
  • Get ready for less traffic in Mississippi

Cons of moving from Michigan to Mississippi

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a robust job market in Michigan to live with fewer job opportunities in Mississippi
  • You'll lose out on the pro of great school systems and have to settle for the con of variable school quality
  • Time to bid farewell to bustling urban life and get used to limited nightlife in Mississippi
  • Swap a vibrant tech scene for less tech presence

Michigan vs. Mississippi: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganMississippi
Most iconic local food itemPastiesCatfish
Most popular meat dishDetroit-style pizzaBarbecue ribs
Most popular street food itemHot dogsPo'boys
Most popular vegan foodFalafelOkra stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • Buddy's Pizza
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 Michigan to Mississippi, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Catfish of Mississippi. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style pizza and sumptuous Hot dogs, Mississippi residents know they have tasty Barbecue ribs and Po'boys to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Falafel they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra stew of Mississippi. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Buddy's Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in Mississippi, don't wait too long before making your way to Mississippi's acclaimed eateries like Mayflower Cafe, Doe's Eat Place, and City Grocery.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Mississippi

ComparisonMichiganMississippi
Typical Architecture StyleLakefront cottages, ColonialAntebellum, Ranch-style
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 listingLake access, Proximity to natureHistorical significance, Large plots
  • The Lakefront cottages and Colonial architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Ranch-style architecture typical of Mississippi.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and proximity to nature, Mississippi real estate listings often highlight features like historical significance and large plots.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Mississippi is less walkable than Michigan.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Mississippi is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • Mississippi has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • Mississippi housing costs are 26% less expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $178,490 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Mississippi have increased by 31% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in Mississippi is 5.62% more affordable than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganMississippi
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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadosHurricanes, Tornados
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)79Β°F / 58Β°F91Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 17Β°F55Β°F / 34Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.859.0
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.661.0
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Mississippi. Mississippi gets 24% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • Mississippi has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, 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 12 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 17 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Mississippi. Mississippi receives 26.2 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Mississippi

ComparisonMichiganMississippi
Avg. Household Income$66,986$52,719
Cost of Living Index91.292.1
State Income Tax4.255.00
Avg. Property Tax1.710.81
Avg. Sales Tax6.007.00
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationAgriculture, Manufacturing, Energy
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessManageableConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Mississippi tend to earn about 21% less than in Michigan
  • The COLI in Mississippi will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in MS is 5.00 compared to 4.25 in MI
  • The affluence in Mississippi is modest compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
  • The poverty level is high in Mississippi compared to moderate poverty in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Michigan and concerning in Mississippi

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Mississippi

ComparisonMichiganMississippi
Political Make-upMixed, leaning DemocraticPrimarily Republican
Local PoliticsLarge cities tend to be more liberalRural areas and small towns dominate, with conservative values
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a notable presence of other faithsHeavily Christian, particularly Evangelical
  • Michigan tends to lean mixed, leaning Democratic in its political climate
  • Mississippi, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
  • Mississippi's religious environment can be described as heavily Christian, particularly Evangelical
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a notable presence of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Mississippi

ComparisonMichiganMississippi
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Southern Mississippi
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsNova Classical Academy (Brighton)
Okemos Public Montessori (Okemos)
Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change (Muskegon)
Madison Station Elementary (Madison)
Oak Park Elementary (Ocean Springs)
Eastside Elementary (Clinton)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsEast Grand Rapids Middle School (East Grand Rapids)
Boulan Park Middle School (Troy)
Warner Upper Elementary School (Farmington Hills)
Northwest Rankin Middle School (Flowood)
Madison Middle School (Madison)
Lewisburg Middle School (Olive Branch)
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
Troy High School (Troy)
Okemos High School (Okemos)
Madison Central High School (Madison)
Ocean Springs High School (Ocean Springs)
Lewisburg High School (Olive Branch)
Top 3 private high schoolsDetroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)
Jackson Preparatory School (Flowood)
Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison)
Presbyterian Christian School (Hattiesburg)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRoeper School (Birmingham)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Jackson Academy (Jackson)
Jackson Preparatory School (Flowood)
St. Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland)
Top 3 School DistrictsOkemos Public Schools (Okemos)
East Grand Rapids Public Schools (East Grand Rapids)
Bloomfield Hills Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Madison County Schools (Madison)
Clinton Public School District (Clinton)
Ocean Springs School District (Ocean Springs)

How Much Do Michigan to Mississippi Movers Cost?

Moving 986 miles from Michigan to Mississippi will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,761300 ft3$5.87
1 Bedroom$2,620450 ft3$5.82
2 Bedrooms$4,329750 ft3$5.77
3 Bedrooms$6,2941100 ft3$5.72
4 Bedrooms$9,0751600 ft3$5.67
5+ Bedrooms$10,1191800 ft3$5.62

Top Michigan to Mississippi Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to Mississippi

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  featured image

Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

9.07/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MASS Movers featured image

MASS Movers

9.03/10
Top Michigan to Mississippi Routes

Detroit to Mississippi

Grand Rapids to Mississippi