Moving from High Point, NC to Memphis, TN
It is 669 mi between High Point and Memphis — roughly 12h 21m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
669 mi · 12h 21m by car · TN → VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Winston Salem, Greensboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| High Point | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
High Point 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 $249,821 in High Point to $144,710 in Memphis, a 0.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | High Point | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 54.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 61.1°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: HIGH PT, NC US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.47 |
Households in Memphis earn about 0.7% less at the median — 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 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap 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
How does household income compare in High Point vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $61,228 in High Point — a 16.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from High Point 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 669 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between High Point and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 61.1°F in High Point (2.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 48.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $249,821 in High Point — a 42.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Memphis more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 0.7% lower than High Point (92.179 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from High Point, NC?
The driving distance is 669 mi and the route typically takes 12h 21m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC · Memphis, TN.