Moving from Memphis, TN to Birmingham, AL
The 230 mi from Memphis to Birmingham translate to about 4h 15m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
230 mi · 4h 15m by car · TN → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, I 65, I 20 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Memphis (92.179) and Birmingham (91.644) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Birmingham ZHVI at $135,870 is 0.6% below Memphis at $144,710.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 56.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Birmingham gets around 1.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.25 |
Income steps down 0.6%: $51,211 in Memphis vs $44,376 in Birmingham.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Birmingham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 63,490 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 51,190 | $38,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 51,120 | $34,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,990 | $26,920 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 41,870 | $64,700 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 Birmingham average 91°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: Birmingham averages 56.6 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Birmingham?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.9°F in Birmingham vs 63.4°F in Memphis (0.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.4 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 56.6 in vs 54.9 in.
How does the job market in Birmingham compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 0.6% lower than Memphis (91.644 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 230 mi and the route typically takes 4h 15m via US 78 and I 65. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 230 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 13.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 6.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Birmingham, AL.