Moving from Memphis, TN to Miami Gardens, FL
Relocating 958 mi from Memphis to Miami Gardens is a 18h 23m drive through 5 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.
958 mi Β· 18h 23m by car Β· TN β MS β AL β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β MS β AL β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, US 280, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Columbus, Gainesville, Orlando, Palm Bay |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Miami Gardens | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP climbs from 92.179 in Memphis to 114.155 in Miami Gardens, putting overall prices 23.8% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 23.8% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $144,710 to $469,434 moving to Miami Gardens.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 68.3" |
Expect 12.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 111,264 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $60,979 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 11.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 3.22 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 23.8% higher in Miami Gardens than Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Miami Gardens MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Miami Gardens averages 68.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Miami Gardens more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami Gardens is 23.8% higher than Memphis (114.155 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 Miami Gardens?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 958 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Miami Gardens, FL from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 958 mi and the route typically takes 18h 23m via US 78 and US 280. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Miami Gardens?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 19.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Miami Gardens compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,434 in Miami Gardens vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 224.4% 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 Β· Miami Gardens, FL.