Moving from Memphis, TN to El Paso, TX
The drive from Memphis, TN to El Paso, TX runs 1095 mi — about 18h 41m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1095 mi · 18h 41m by car · TX → AR → TN
What this move changes most
- Median household income climbs 14.7% while overall cost of living only moves 2.5% lower — El Paso offers a real wage gain at the median on ACS 2023 / BEA RPP 2024.
- You are moving to a noticeably drier climate: Memphis averages 54.9 in of precipitation a year versus 8.8 in at El Paso. A humidifier helps with wood furniture and skin during the first winter.
- Crossing into Texas with a meaningful wage step: BLS OEWS puts the El Paso MSA median wage at $36,000 versus $43,400 in the Memphis MSA. Combine with the state tax lines below when comparing take-home pay.
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa, Midland, Abilene, Fort Worth, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Typical moving cost: Memphis → El Paso
| Service type | Typical range | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| DIY rental truck | $1.2k – $3k | — |
| Portable container | $2k – $4.5k | 4–10 days in transit |
| Full-service movers | $4.5k – $9.5k | 3–10 days delivery window |
Ranges above reflect industry-aggregate quotes for a long-haul move (1095 mi). Household size, access, season, and accessorial services shift the final number within the range.
- DIY rental truck: One-way truck rental across multiple states. Budget fuel stops at roughly 200-mile intervals for a loaded 20–26 ft truck.
- Portable container: Long-haul container service. First month of storage often bundled; additional months billed monthly.
- Full-service movers: Interstate full-service move at long-haul distance. Delivery windows widen with distance; guaranteed date service costs extra.
Expect 20–30% higher quotes between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season) across all service types. October through April is the low-rate window.
Ranges reflect industry-aggregate quotes (U-Haul, Penske, PODS, U-Pack, Allied, Mayflower, North American, HireAHelper), reviewed 2026. Actual pricing depends on season, household size, access, and accessorial services; always collect binding or not-to-exceed quotes from licensed carriers.
Cost of living
| Memphis | El Paso | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 89.912 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 82.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 71.248 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Memphis (92.179) and El Paso (89.912) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in El Paso: 2.5% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, El Paso +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 2.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 8.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: El Paso gets around 2.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, EL PASO INTL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 678,147 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $58,734 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.8 |
Income steps up 2.5%: $51,211 in Memphis vs $58,734 in El Paso.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in El Paso MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,500 | $35,550 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 34,790 | $23,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,160 | $33,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,050 | $28,800 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 23,040 | $61,670 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Texas requires new residents to transfer driver license and vehicle registration within 30 days of 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 El Paso average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: El Paso sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Memphis to El Paso?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1095 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is El Paso more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in El Paso is 2.5% lower than Memphis (89.912 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is El Paso, TX from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 1095 mi and the route typically takes 18h 41m via I 20 and I 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs El Paso?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,734 in El Paso vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 14.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in El Paso compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $36,000 in the El Paso MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 323,310 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and El Paso?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.2°F in El Paso vs 63.4°F in Memphis (2.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.8 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 54.9 in.
Are there income tax differences between Tennessee and Texas?
State income tax top rates: Tennessee no state income tax, Texas no state income tax (Tax Foundation, current year). Texas has a 30-day window to transfer your driver license and register your vehicle after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation.
How much do homes cost in El Paso compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $234,775 in El Paso vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 62.2% higher 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 · El Paso, TX.