Moving from Rochester, MN to Memphis, TN
Relocating 727 mi from Rochester to Memphis is a 14h 7m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
727 mi · 14h 7m by car · TN → AR → MO → IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → MO → IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 61, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Rochester 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 $339,455 in Rochester to $144,710 in Memphis, a 1.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperature jumps 18.6°F — 44.8°F in Rochester 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: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 1.5% — $87,767 → $51,211 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
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 (18.6°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 Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 1.5% higher than Rochester (92.179 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 41.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 727 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 727 mi and the route typically takes 14h 7m via I 55 and US 61. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 57.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 44.8°F in Rochester (18.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 34.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Memphis, TN.