Moving from Memphis, TN to Huntsville, AL
The 202 mi from Memphis to Huntsville translate to about 4h 10m 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.
202 mi · 4h 10m by car · TN → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 72, US 72 ALTERNATE, AL 20 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Huntsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 93.072 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 83.931 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 77.946 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Memphis (92.179) and Huntsville (93.072) 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 Huntsville: 1.0% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Huntsville +0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 2.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 54.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Huntsville gets around 2.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 218,814 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $70,778 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.33 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.0% between Memphis and Huntsville (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Huntsville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,600 | $39,750 |
| Production Occupations | 22,310 | $44,450 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,530 | $38,160 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 20,460 | $94,520 |
| Architecture and Engineering Occupations | 19,870 | $107,930 |
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 Huntsville average 92°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: Huntsville averages 54.3 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
How does the job market in Huntsville compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 250,940 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 Huntsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,778 in Huntsville vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 38.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Huntsville more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Huntsville is 1.0% higher than Memphis (93.072 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Huntsville, AL from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 202 mi and the route typically takes 4h 10m via US 72 and US 72 ALTERNATE. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Huntsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 202 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Huntsville?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 62.9°F in Huntsville vs 63.4°F in Memphis (0.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.4 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 54.3 in vs 54.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Huntsville compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $287,569 in Huntsville vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 98.7% 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 · Huntsville, AL.