Moving from Memphis, TN to Richmond, VA
A move from Memphis, TN to Richmond, VA covers 819 mi and around 15h 3m of driving through 2 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
819 mi · 15h 3m by car · TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.179 in Memphis to 97.858 in Richmond, a 6.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Richmond: 6.2% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 45.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Richmond gets around 8.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.23 |
Median household income in Richmond is 6.2% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $62,671, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 22.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Richmond more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 6.2% higher than Memphis (97.858 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 Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 819 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 155.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 647,440 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 Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 63.4°F in Memphis (4.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 54.9 in.
How far is Richmond, VA from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 819 mi and the route typically takes 15h 3m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 2 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 · Richmond, VA.