Moving from Dallas, TX to Memphis, TN
The 456 mi from Dallas to Memphis translate to about 7h 54m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
456 mi · 7h 54m by car · TX → AR → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 67, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis is 10.6% cheaper than Dallas 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 10.6% below Dallas — $309,421 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Dallas (68.0°F) and Memphis (63.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.6% between Dallas 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 Texas 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Dallas 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 456 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 24.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 53.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Memphis, TN from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 456 mi and the route typically takes 7h 54m via I 30 and US 67. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 10.6% lower than Dallas (92.179 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Dallas and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 68.0°F in Dallas (4.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 1.7 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 38.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Memphis, TN.