Moving from Goodyear, AZ to Memphis, TN
Moving from Goodyear, AZ to Memphis, TN is a 1508 mi cross-country relocation — about 26h 11m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1508 mi · 26h 11m by car · TN → AR → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, AZ 89A |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Norman, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Goodyear | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Memphis are 10.8% below Goodyear — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 10.8% under Goodyear at $469,424 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Goodyear -1.2%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Goodyear | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 107°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 7.4" | 54.9" |
Memphis is 10.5°F cooler on the annual average (73.9°F vs 63.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Goodyear | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,891 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $101,814 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 40.8 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.87 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 10.8% below Goodyear ($101,814 vs $51,211, ACS 5-year 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 Arizona 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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.5°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Goodyear and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 73.9°F in Goodyear (10.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 7.4 in.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Goodyear?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Memphis more expensive than Goodyear?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 10.8% lower than Goodyear (92.179 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from Goodyear, AZ?
The driving distance is 1508 mi and the route typically takes 26h 11m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Goodyear 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 1508 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Goodyear vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $101,814 in Goodyear — a 49.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Goodyear?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $469,424 in Goodyear — a 69.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Goodyear.
City profiles: Goodyear, AZ · Memphis, TN.