Moving from Memphis, TN to Glendale, AZ
The drive from Memphis, TN to Glendale, AZ runs 1474 mi — about 25h 18m 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.
1474 mi · 25h 18m by car · TN → AR → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, AZ 89A |
| 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 | Glendale | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.179 in Memphis to 103.316 in Glendale, a 12.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Glendale: 12.1% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 8.3" |
Climate warms by 8.5°F on the annual average — 63.4°F → 71.9°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Glendale — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.88 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.1% between Memphis and Glendale (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale 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 — 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.
- 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 Glendale average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Glendale compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale 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.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Glendale?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.9°F in Glendale vs 63.4°F in Memphis (8.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 8.3 in vs 54.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1474 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Glendale, AZ from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 1474 mi and the route typically takes 25h 18m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 37.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 181.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Glendale more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 12.1% higher than Memphis (103.316 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Glendale, AZ.