Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Memphis, TN
A move from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Memphis, TN covers 943 mi and around 18h 11m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
943 mi · 18h 11m by car · TN → MS → AL → GA → FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL → GA → FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, US 280, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Columbus, Gainesville, Orlando, Palm Bay |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Lauderdale | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 114.155 to 92.179, putting Memphis roughly 19.3% below Fort Lauderdale on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Memphis: 19.3% below Fort Lauderdale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Lauderdale -4.9%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Lauderdale | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 60°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 64.3" | 54.9" |
Memphis is 13.5°F cooler on the annual average (76.9°F vs 63.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT LAUDERDALE BEACH, FL US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Lauderdale | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,032 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $79,935 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 42.9 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 19.3% below Fort Lauderdale ($79,935 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 Florida 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.5°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Fort Lauderdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 19.3% lower than Fort Lauderdale (92.179 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Fort Lauderdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $508,474 in Fort Lauderdale — a 71.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Fort Lauderdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $46,510 in the Fort Lauderdale MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Fort Lauderdale and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 76.9°F in Fort Lauderdale (13.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 64.3 in.
How far is Memphis, TN from Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The driving distance is 943 mi and the route typically takes 18h 11m via US 78 and US 280. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fort Lauderdale 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 943 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fort Lauderdale vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale — a 35.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Lauderdale.
City profiles: Fort Lauderdale, FL · Memphis, TN.