Moving from South Fulton, GA to Memphis, TN
Relocating between South Fulton, GA and Memphis, TN is a 368 mi drive — 6h 53m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
368 mi · 6h 53m by car · TN → MS → AL → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, I 20, GA 92 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Atlanta, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Fulton | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.9% cheaper overall in Memphis than South Fulton on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: South Fulton —, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | South Fulton | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 54.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Fulton | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,157 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $81,798 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.9% — $81,798 → $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 Georgia 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.
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 does household income compare in South Fulton vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $81,798 in South Fulton — a 37.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from South Fulton 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 368 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to South Fulton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between South Fulton and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 63.6°F in South Fulton (0.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 2.2 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 50.4 in.
Is Memphis more expensive than South Fulton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 7.9% lower than South Fulton (92.179 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from South Fulton, GA?
The driving distance is 368 mi and the route typically takes 6h 53m via US 78 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from South Fulton.
City profiles: South Fulton, GA · Memphis, TN.