Moving from Concord, NC to Memphis, TN
The drive from Concord, NC to Memphis, TN runs 635 mi — about 11h 58m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
635 mi · 11h 58m by car · TN → MS → AL → GA → SC → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL → GA → SC → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 78, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.348 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.164 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.58 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.635 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.348 to 92.179, putting Memphis roughly 5.3% below Concord on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Memphis: 5.3% below Concord on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -1.9%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Concord | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 29°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.3" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.9" | 54.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CONCORD, NC US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,518 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $84,752 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.3% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.3% between Concord and Memphis (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.
Moving between North Carolina and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Memphis more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 5.3% lower than Concord (92.179 vs 97.348, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $382,592 in Concord — a 62.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Memphis, TN from Concord, NC?
The driving distance is 635 mi and the route typically takes 11h 58m via I 85 and US 78. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Concord 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 635 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $47,830 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 1,311,360 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $84,752 in Concord — a 39.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Concord and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 60.7°F in Concord (2.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 3.3 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 47.9 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Concord.
City profiles: Concord, NC · Memphis, TN.