Moving from Sugar Land, TX to Memphis, TN
Relocating 595 mi from Sugar Land to Memphis is a 10h 51m drive through 3 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.
595 mi · 10h 51m by car · TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, I 30, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sugar Land | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.5% cheaper overall in Memphis than Sugar Land on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.5% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Sugar Land -0.9%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Sugar Land | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.1" | 54.9" |
Expect 7.2°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SUGAR LAND, TX US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sugar Land | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,735 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $137,511 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.5% — $137,511 → $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 Texas 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 the job market in Memphis compare to Sugar Land?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $46,960 in the Sugar Land MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Sugar Land vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $137,511 in Sugar Land — a 62.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Sugar Land and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 70.6°F in Sugar Land (7.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 51.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Sugar Land?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $447,176 in Sugar Land — a 67.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sugar Land 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 595 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Sugar Land, TX?
The driving distance is 595 mi and the route typically takes 10h 51m via US 59 and I 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Sugar Land?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 6.5% lower than Sugar Land (92.179 vs 98.629, 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 Sugar Land.
City profiles: Sugar Land, TX · Memphis, TN.