Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Memphis, TN
Relocating between Fort Worth, TX and Memphis, TN is a 492 mi drive β 8h 39m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
492 mi Β· 8h 39m by car Β· TX β AR β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 67, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Lewisville, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | 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 |
Expect about 10.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Memphis at 92.179 vs Fort Worth at 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $298,051 to $144,710 moving to Memphis.
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Fort Worth (67.5Β°F) and Memphis (63.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.6% β $76,602 β $51,211 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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
- 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.
- 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 Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 10.6% lower than Fort Worth (92.179 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 492 mi and the route typically takes 8h 39m via I 30 and US 67. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 33.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 51.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 492 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Memphis, TN.