Moving from Memphis, TN to Tuscaloosa, AL
The 223 mi from Memphis to Tuscaloosa translate to about 4h 25m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
223 mi · 4h 25m by car · TN → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, US 43, AL 13 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Tuscaloosa and Memphis are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.179 vs 87.722); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Tuscaloosa typical home at $228,947 is 4.8% above Memphis at $144,710 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 57.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 63.4°F vs 64.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.68 |
Income steps down 4.8%: $51,211 in Memphis vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tuscaloosa average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 58.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 103,520 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 5.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 223 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 223 mi and the route typically takes 4h 25m via US 78 and US 43. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 4.8% lower than Memphis (87.722 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Tuscaloosa, AL.