Moving from Memphis, TN to Plano, TX
It is a 457 mi drive, roughly 8h 5m, between Memphis, TN and Plano, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
457 mi Β· 8h 5m by car Β· TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Mckinney, Allen, Garland, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.8% above Memphis β 92.179 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 41.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.6 |
Plano households earn about 11.8% more than Memphis at the median β $51,211 β $108,649 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Plano average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Plano more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 11.8% higher than Memphis (103.09 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 244.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 457 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 112.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Plano compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Plano, TX from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 457 mi and the route typically takes 8h 5m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Plano, TX.