Moving from Madison, WI to Memphis, TN
A move from Madison, WI to Memphis, TN covers 636 mi and around 12h 5m 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.
636 mi Β· 12h 5m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 51, I 57, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis is 5.3% cheaper than Madison 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 5.3% below Madison β $423,767 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 54.9" |
Memphis runs 16.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.2Β°F vs 63.4Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
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: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 5.3% below Madison ($76,983 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 Wisconsin 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 (16.2Β°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
Is Memphis more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 5.3% lower than Madison (92.179 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $76,983 in Madison β a 33.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $423,767 in Madison β a 65.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Memphis, TN from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 636 mi and the route typically takes 12h 5m via US 51 and I 57. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 636 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Memphis, TN.