Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Memphis, TN
Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Memphis, TN covers 223 mi and about 4h 25m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
223 mi · 4h 25m by car · TN → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, US 43, AL 13 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Memphis is 5.1% higher than Tuscaloosa, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 5.1% below Tuscaloosa — $228,947 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Tuscaloosa (64.3°F) and Memphis (63.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 5.1% above Tuscaloosa ($48,536 → $51,211, 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 Alabama 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
Is Memphis more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 5.1% higher than Tuscaloosa (92.179 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa — a 36.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa — a 5.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa 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 223 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 223 mi and the route typically takes 4h 25m via US 78 and US 43. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL · Memphis, TN.