Moving from Grand Prairie, TX to Memphis, TN
Moving from Grand Prairie, TX to Memphis, TN covers 477 mi and about 8h 21m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
477 mi Β· 8h 21m by car Β· TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Mckinney, Allen, Garland, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Grand Prairie | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 92.179, putting Memphis roughly 10.6% below Grand Prairie on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Memphis: 10.6% below Grand Prairie on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Grand Prairie -2.8%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Grand Prairie | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.1" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: JOE POOL LAKE, TX US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Grand Prairie | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,564 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $78,889 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 10.6% below Grand Prairie ($78,889 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 Texas 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 92Β°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 β 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 Grand Prairie?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 10.6% lower than Grand Prairie (92.179 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Grand Prairie?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $316,527 in Grand Prairie β a 54.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Grand Prairie?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,440 in the Grand Prairie MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Grand Prairie vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $78,889 in Grand Prairie β a 35.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Grand Prairie, TX?
The driving distance is 477 mi and the route typically takes 8h 21m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Grand Prairie to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 477 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Grand Prairie.
City profiles: Grand Prairie, TX Β· Memphis, TN.