Moving from Hampton, VA to Memphis, TN
It is 899 mi between Hampton and Memphis — roughly 16h 31m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
899 mi · 16h 31m by car · TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Expect about 5.9% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Memphis at 92.179 vs Hampton at 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.9% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $275,341 to $144,710 moving to Memphis.
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Hampton | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Hampton (59.8°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: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.47 |
Memphis households earn about 5.9% less than Hampton at the median — $67,758 → $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.
Moving between Virginia 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap 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
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Memphis, TN from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 899 mi and the route typically takes 16h 31m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $67,758 in Hampton — a 24.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $275,341 in Hampton — a 47.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Hampton and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 59.8°F in Hampton (3.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 47.8 in.
Is Memphis more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 5.9% lower than Hampton (92.179 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Hampton 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 899 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA · Memphis, TN.