Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Memphis, TN
The 336 mi from Chattanooga to Memphis translate to about 6h 18m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
336 mi · 6h 18m by car · TN → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 24, I 840 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Memphis and Chattanooga is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 0.8% below Chattanooga — $319,579 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Chattanooga | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Chattanooga (61.9°F) and Memphis (63.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.47 |
Income steps down 0.8%: $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $51,211 in Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 336 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $319,579 in Chattanooga — a 54.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Chattanooga vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $61,028 in Chattanooga — a 16.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 261,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Chattanooga and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 61.9°F in Chattanooga (1.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 3.6 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 55.0 in.
How far is Memphis, TN from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 336 mi and the route typically takes 6h 18m via I 40 and I 24. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 0.8% higher than Chattanooga (92.179 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN · Memphis, TN.