Moving from Spokane Valley, WA to Memphis, TN
Cross-country relocations like Spokane Valley, WA β Memphis, TN cover 2005 mi and about 35h 55m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2005 mi Β· 35h 55m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IA β NE β SD β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IA β NE β SD β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane Valley | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis is 8.1% cheaper than Spokane Valley overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 8.1% below Spokane Valley β $408,888 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane Valley +0.7%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane Valley | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 54.9" |
Climate warms by 13.6Β°F on the annual average β 49.8Β°F β 63.4Β°F.
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane Valley | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,460 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $70,722 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.1% between Spokane Valley and Memphis (ACS 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 Washington 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 92Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.6Β°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
How far is Memphis, TN from Spokane Valley, WA?
The driving distance is 2005 mi and the route typically takes 35h 55m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Spokane Valley?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Spokane Valley vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $70,722 in Spokane Valley β a 27.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Spokane Valley?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 8.1% lower than Spokane Valley (92.179 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Spokane Valley?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $408,888 in Spokane Valley β a 64.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Spokane Valley to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2005 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Spokane Valley.
City profiles: Spokane Valley, WA Β· Memphis, TN.