Moving from Memphis, TN to Tempe, AZ
It is 1425 mi between Memphis and Tempe — roughly 25h 7m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1425 mi · 25h 7m by car · TN → AR → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 270, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Norman, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 12.1% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 12.1% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $144,710 to $468,281 moving to Tempe.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 8.8" |
Annual temperature rises 8.4°F moving to Tempe per NOAA normals.
Tempe gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.42 |
Tempe households earn about 12.1% more than Memphis at the median — $51,211 → $77,643 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Tempe more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 12.1% higher than Memphis (103.316 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 63.4°F in Memphis (8.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 54.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1425 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 51.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 1425 mi and the route typically takes 25h 7m via I 40 and US 270. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 223.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Tempe, AZ.