Moving from Alexandria, VA to Memphis, TN
Relocating 873 mi from Alexandria to Memphis is a 16h 5m drive through 2 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.
873 mi · 16h 5m by car · TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 15.3% cheaper overall in Memphis than Alexandria on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.3% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Alexandria | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 54.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.3% — $113,638 → $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 Virginia 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.
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 far is Memphis, TN from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 873 mi and the route typically takes 16h 5m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 15.3% lower than Alexandria (92.179 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Alexandria and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 59.3°F in Alexandria (4.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 13.7 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 41.8 in.
When is the best time to move from Alexandria 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 873 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $676,205 in Alexandria — a 78.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $113,638 in Alexandria — a 54.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 3,092,070 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 Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA · Memphis, TN.