Moving from Lakeland, FL to Memphis, TN
Relocating 755 mi from Lakeland to Memphis is a 14h 57m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
755 mi · 14h 57m by car · TN → MS → AL → GA → FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL → GA → FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, US 280, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Columbus, Gainesville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakeland | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.141 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.883 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.942 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Expect about 5.1% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Memphis at 92.179 vs Lakeland at 97.141.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.1% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $311,156 to $144,710 moving to Memphis.
YoY change: Lakeland -2.8%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lakeland | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 51°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.8" | 54.9" |
Expect 10.5°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 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: LAKELAND 2, FL US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakeland | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,030 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $60,947 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 39.9 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.1% lower in Memphis than Lakeland.
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 Florida 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.
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
How far is Memphis, TN from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance is 755 mi and the route typically takes 14h 57m via US 78 and US 280. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Lakeland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 5.1% lower than Lakeland (92.179 vs 97.141, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lakeland vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $60,947 in Lakeland — a 16.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lakeland 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 755 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 Lakeland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $40,780 in the Lakeland MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 256,700 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Lakeland and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 73.9°F in Lakeland (10.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 56.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Lakeland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $311,156 in Lakeland — a 53.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakeland.
City profiles: Lakeland, FL · Memphis, TN.