Moving from Memphis, TN to Fort Worth, TX
It is a 492 mi drive, roughly 8h 39m, between Memphis, TN and Fort Worth, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
492 mi · 8h 39m by car · TX → AR → TN
What this move changes most
- Most of the cost step-up is in shelter: ZHVI runs 106.0% above Memphis while the overall price level only moves 11.8%. Non-housing categories (groceries, services) are closer to U.S. average.
- Median household income climbs 49.6% while overall cost of living only moves 11.8% higher — Fort Worth offers a real wage gain at the median on ACS 2023 / BEA RPP 2024.
- BLS occupational wages in Fort Worth MSA ($48,440 median) trail household income ($76,602 median on ACS) more than at origin — a sign household income is carried by dual earners or non-wage sources beyond a single paycheck.
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 67, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Lewisville, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Typical moving cost: Memphis → Fort Worth
| Service type | Typical range | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| DIY rental truck | $400 – $1.2k | — |
| Portable container | $800 – $2.2k | 2–5 days in transit |
| Full-service movers | $1.8k – $5.5k | 1–4 days delivery window |
Ranges above reflect industry-aggregate quotes for a mid-range move (492 mi). Household size, access, season, and accessorial services shift the final number within the range.
- DIY rental truck: One-way truck rental including base rate, estimated fuel, and per-mile surcharges. Drop-off fees vary by destination metro.
- Portable container: Regional container move between adjoining or nearby states. Monthly storage extra if not unloaded promptly.
- Full-service movers: Interstate full-service move at regional distance. Binding or not-to-exceed quotes available on request.
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 | Fort Worth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.8% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.8% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $144,710 to $298,051 moving to Fort Worth.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Fort Worth -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | — |
Annual average temperatures in Memphis (63.4°F) and Fort Worth (67.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 941,311 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $76,602 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.82 |
Fort Worth households earn about 11.8% more than Memphis at the median — $51,211 → $76,602 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Worth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Fort Worth average 97°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
Is Fort Worth more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Worth is 11.8% higher than Memphis (103.09 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fort Worth compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $298,051 in Fort Worth vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 106.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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 far is Fort Worth, TX from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 492 mi and the route typically takes 8h 39m via I 30 and US 67. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fort Worth compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Fort Worth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,602 in Fort Worth vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 49.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Fort Worth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 492 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 · Fort Worth, TX.