Moving from Yonkers, NY to Memphis, TN
Relocating 1106 mi from Yonkers to Memphis is a 20h 46m drive through 6 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.
1106 mi · 20h 46m by car · TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 40, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Allentown, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 18.1% moving from Yonkers to Memphis — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $680,218 in Yonkers to $144,710 in Memphis, a 18.1% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Yonkers | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | 54.9" |
Expect 10.0°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 39 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 18.1% — $81,816 → $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 New York 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.0°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
When is the best time to move from Yonkers 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 1106 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Yonkers and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 53.4°F in Yonkers (10.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 32.7 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 51.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $680,218 in Yonkers — a 78.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Memphis more expensive than Yonkers?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 18.1% lower than Yonkers (92.179 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $81,816 in Yonkers — a 37.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 1106 mi and the route typically takes 20h 46m via I 81 and I 40. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY · Memphis, TN.