Moving from Memphis, TN to Ann Arbor, MI
Relocating 724 mi from Memphis to Ann Arbor is a 13h 28m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
724 mi · 13h 28m by car · TN → KY → OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 75, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Dearborn |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.4% above Memphis — 92.179 → 100.88 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.4% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 37.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 15.2°F — a meaningful climate change across the move.
Heavy-snow city: expect 59.3 in of snowfall annually at Ann Arbor.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.43 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.4% — $51,211 → $81,089 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in annually vs 2.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.2°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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 9.4% higher than Memphis (100.88 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 724 mi and the route typically takes 13h 28m via I 40 and I 75. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 724 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 58.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 261.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Ann Arbor?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Ann Arbor vs 63.4°F in Memphis (15.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 59.3 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 37.9 in vs 54.9 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Ann Arbor, MI.