Moving from Memphis, TN to Philadelphia, PA
Relocating 1013 mi from Memphis to Philadelphia is a 18h 58m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1013 mi · 18h 58m by car · PA → DE → MD → VA → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → DE → MD → VA → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Alexandria, Knoxville, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.3% above Memphis — 92.179 → 102.554 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.3% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 50.7" |
Expect 5.7°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.1 in of snowfall annually at Philadelphia.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.3% higher in Philadelphia than Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 1013 mi and the route typically takes 18h 58m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 63.4°F in Memphis (5.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 54.9 in.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1013 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 11.3% higher than Memphis (102.554 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 18.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 60.2% 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 · Philadelphia, PA.