Moving from Memphis, TN to Gilbert, AZ
Relocating 1427 mi from Memphis to Gilbert is a 25h 15m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1427 mi Β· 25h 15m by car Β· TN β AR β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 270, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Norman, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 12.1% above Memphis β 92.179 β 103.316 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | β |
Expect 8.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.1% β $51,211 β $121,351 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 295.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Gilbert more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 12.1% higher than Memphis (103.316 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1427 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 1427 mi and the route typically takes 25h 15m via I 40 and US 270. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 137.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Gilbert, AZ.