Moving from Wichita, KS to Memphis, TN
A move from Wichita, KS to Memphis, TN covers 583 mi and around 10h 5m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
583 mi · 10h 5m by car · TN → AR → OK → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → OK → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 35, US 412 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Broken Arrow, Tulsa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Memphis and Wichita is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 3.6% below Wichita — $202,720 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Wichita | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 54.9" |
Memphis runs 5.7°F warmer on the annual average (57.7°F vs 63.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: WICHITA, KS US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 3.6% below Wichita ($63,072 → $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 Kansas 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 Wichita vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $63,072 in Wichita — a 18.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 583 mi and the route typically takes 10h 5m via I 40 and I 35. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Wichita 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 583 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Memphis more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.6% higher than Wichita (92.179 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Wichita and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 57.7°F in Wichita (5.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 12.7 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 34.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $202,720 in Wichita — a 28.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS · Memphis, TN.