Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Memphis, TN
It is 632 mi between Milwaukee and Memphis — roughly 11h 40m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
632 mi · 11h 40m by car · TN → AR → MO → IL → WI
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → MO → IL → WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, US 78, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Milwaukee and Memphis sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $220,137 in Milwaukee to $144,710 in Memphis, a 4.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Milwaukee | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperature jumps 15.1°F — 48.3°F in Milwaukee vs 63.4°F in Memphis, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.47 |
Household income lines up — $51,888 vs $51,211 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis 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: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Memphis more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 4.9% lower than Milwaukee (92.179 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 632 mi and the route typically takes 11h 40m via I 57 and US 78. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Milwaukee and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 48.3°F in Milwaukee (15.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 39.5 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 33.8 in.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 34.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 1.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 632 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Memphis, TN.