Moving from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN
The drive from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN runs 738 mi β about 13h 47m 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.
738 mi Β· 13h 47m by car Β· MI β OH β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 40, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Detroit | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis is 8.1% cheaper than Detroit overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Memphis is 8.1% above Detroit β $75,358 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Detroit -3.0%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Detroit | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.9" | 54.9" |
Climate warms by 13.1Β°F on the annual average β 50.3Β°F β 63.4Β°F.
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN #2, MI US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Detroit | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,644 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $39,575 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.1% between Detroit 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 Michigan 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 92Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.1Β°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 Detroit vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $39,575 in Detroit β a 29.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Detroit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 8.1% lower than Detroit (92.179 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 738 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance is 738 mi and the route typically takes 13h 47m via I 75 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Detroit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $75,358 in Detroit β a 92.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Detroit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,950 in the Detroit MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 1,900,180 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 Detroit.
City profiles: Detroit, MI Β· Memphis, TN.