Moving from Spokane, WA to Memphis, TN
Cross-country relocations like Spokane, WA β Memphis, TN cover 2016 mi and about 36h 6m 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.
2016 mi Β· 36h 6m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | 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 |
Overall prices in Memphis are 8.1% below Spokane β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 8.1% under Spokane at $395,325 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | 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.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.1% between Spokane 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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 much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 63.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane 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 far is Memphis, TN from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 2016 mi and the route typically takes 36h 6m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2016 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Spokane vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 22.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 8.1% lower than Spokane (92.179 vs 100.346, 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 Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Memphis, TN.