Moving from Boise City, ID to Memphis, TN
Moving from Boise City, ID to Memphis, TN is a 1907 mi cross-country relocation — about 32h 6m of driving through 8 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1907 mi · 32h 6m by car · TN → AR → OK → KS → CO → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → OK → KS → CO → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Wichita, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis is 6.3% cheaper than Boise City overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City —, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boise City | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 54.9" |
Memphis runs 10.2°F warmer on the annual average (53.2°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: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 6.3% below Boise City ($81,308 vs $51,211, ACS 5-year 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 Idaho 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.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.2°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
How does household income compare in Boise City vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $81,308 in Boise City — a 37.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Memphis, TN from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 1907 mi and the route typically takes 32h 6m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Boise City and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 53.2°F in Boise City (10.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 11.5 in.
Is Memphis more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 6.3% lower than Boise City (92.179 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Boise City 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 1907 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID · Memphis, TN.