Moving from Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA
Moving from Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA covers 373 mi and about 6h 54m by car through 4 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.
373 mi Β· 6h 54m by car Β· TN β MS β AL β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β MS β AL β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, I 20, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, South Fulton, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Atlanta is 8.5% higher than Memphis, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Atlanta is 8.5% above Memphis β $144,710 vs $385,599 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 48.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Memphis (63.4Β°F) and Atlanta (62.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.16 |
Median household income in Atlanta is 8.5% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $81,938, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 Atlanta average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Atlanta, GA from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 373 mi and the route typically takes 6h 54m via US 78 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 166.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Atlanta more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 8.5% higher than Memphis (100.058 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 60.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 373 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Atlanta, GA.