Moving from Raleigh, NC to Memphis, TN
A move from Raleigh, NC to Memphis, TN covers 751 mi and around 13h 57m of driving through 3 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.
751 mi · 13h 57m by car · TN → VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Winston Salem, High Point, Greensboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Raleigh | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis is 6.1% cheaper than Raleigh overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 6.1% below Raleigh — $433,996 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Raleigh -2.3%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Raleigh | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.5" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Raleigh (61.1°F) and Memphis (63.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Raleigh | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 6.1% below Raleigh ($82,424 vs $51,211, 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 North Carolina 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 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.
- 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
How far is Memphis, TN from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance is 751 mi and the route typically takes 13h 57m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Raleigh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $433,996 in Raleigh — a 66.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Raleigh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Raleigh 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 751 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Raleigh vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $82,424 in Raleigh — a 37.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Raleigh and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 61.1°F in Raleigh (2.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 4.5 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 49.4 in.
Is Memphis more expensive than Raleigh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 6.1% lower than Raleigh (92.179 vs 98.157, 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 Raleigh.
City profiles: Raleigh, NC · Memphis, TN.