Moving from Boston, MA to Memphis, TN
The drive from Boston, MA to Memphis, TN runs 1305 mi — about 24h 51m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1305 mi · 24h 51m by car · MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA → WV → VA → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA → WV → VA → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 40, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis is 14.9% cheaper than Boston overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 14.9% below Boston — $798,217 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boston | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 54.9" |
Climate warms by 11.5°F on the annual average — 51.9°F → 63.4°F.
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: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.9% between Boston and Memphis (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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.5°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
Is Memphis more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 14.9% lower than Boston (92.179 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Boston 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 1305 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 1305 mi and the route typically takes 24h 51m via I 81 and I 40. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $94,755 in Boston — a 46.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $798,217 in Boston — a 81.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Boston and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 51.9°F in Boston (11.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 49.2 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 43.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA · Memphis, TN.