Moving from Laredo, TX to Memphis, TN
The drive from Laredo, TX to Memphis, TN runs 885 mi — about 15h 27m 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.
885 mi · 15h 27m by car · TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 30, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Mckinney, Allen, Plano, Garland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Laredo | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 86.956 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.614 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 59.746 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.0% pricier overall in Memphis than Laredo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 6.0% under Laredo at $220,331 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Laredo +2.5%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Laredo | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 100°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.7" | 54.9" |
Climate cools by 11.6°F on the annual average — 75.0°F → 63.4°F.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAREDO 2, TX US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Laredo | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 255,949 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $63,264 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 29.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.36 | 2.47 |
Income steps down 6.0%: $63,264 in Laredo vs $51,211 in Memphis.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.6°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 Laredo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 6.0% higher than Laredo (92.179 vs 86.956, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Laredo and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 75.0°F in Laredo (11.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 19.7 in.
How far is Memphis, TN from Laredo, TX?
The driving distance is 885 mi and the route typically takes 15h 27m via I 35 and I 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Laredo vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $63,264 in Laredo — a 19.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Laredo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $35,220 in the Laredo MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 104,610 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Laredo 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 885 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Laredo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $220,331 in Laredo — a 34.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Laredo.
City profiles: Laredo, TX · Memphis, TN.