Moving from Buffalo, NY to Memphis, TN
Relocating 912 mi from Buffalo to Memphis is a 17h 14m drive through 5 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.
912 mi · 17h 14m by car · TN → KY → OH → PA → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → OH → PA → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 71, I 40, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Akron, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Buffalo | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.844 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 129.489 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.989 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.8% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Buffalo +3.8%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Buffalo | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 95.4" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 54.9" |
Expect 14.6°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BUFFALO, NY US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Buffalo | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.31 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.8% higher in Memphis than Buffalo.
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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 (14.6°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 much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Buffalo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $238,089 in Buffalo — a 39.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Buffalo and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 48.8°F in Buffalo (14.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 95.4 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 40.7 in.
How does household income compare in Buffalo vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $48,050 in Buffalo — a 6.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Buffalo, NY?
The driving distance is 912 mi and the route typically takes 17h 14m via I 71 and I 40. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Buffalo 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 912 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Memphis more expensive than Buffalo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.8% lower than Buffalo (92.179 vs 95.844, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Buffalo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,560 in the Buffalo MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 526,990 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 Buffalo.
City profiles: Buffalo, NY · Memphis, TN.