Moving from Clarksville, TN to Memphis, TN
It is a 203 mi drive, roughly 4h 12m, between Clarksville, TN and Memphis, TN. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
203 mi · 4h 12m by car · TN
Distance & route
| Route through | TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 79, I 40, SR 218 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clarksville | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.947 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.546 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.801 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Clarksville and Memphis sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $318,206 in Clarksville to $144,710 in Memphis, a 1.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Clarksville -0.4%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Clarksville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.5" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.5" | 54.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 59.2°F vs 63.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clarksville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 171,897 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $66,786 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.9% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.65 | 2.47 |
Memphis households earn about 1.4% less than Clarksville at the median — $66,786 → $51,211 on ACS 2023.
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 Clarksville 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 203 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Clarksville vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $66,786 in Clarksville — a 23.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Clarksville, TN?
The driving distance is 203 mi and the route typically takes 4h 12m via US 79 and I 40. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Clarksville and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 59.2°F in Clarksville (4.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 0.5 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 53.5 in.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Clarksville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 96,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Memphis more expensive than Clarksville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 1.4% higher than Clarksville (92.179 vs 90.947, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Clarksville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $318,206 in Clarksville — a 54.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clarksville.
City profiles: Clarksville, TN · Memphis, TN.