Moving from Memphis, TN to Clarksville, TN
It is a 203 mi drive, roughly 4h 12m, between Memphis, TN and Clarksville, TN. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
203 mi · 4h 12m by car · TN
Distance & route
| Route through | TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 79, I 40, SR 218 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Memphis and Clarksville sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $144,710 in Memphis to $318,206 in Clarksville, a 1.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 53.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 63.4°F vs 59.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Clarksville sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.65 |
Clarksville households earn about 1.3% more than Memphis at the median — $51,211 → $66,786 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clarksville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,310 | $37,690 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,100 | $27,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,880 | $30,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,830 | $37,170 |
| Production Occupations | 8,750 | $43,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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
- Pack rain gear on top: Clarksville averages 53.5 in of annual precipitation — 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 119.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 203 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Clarksville?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.2°F in Clarksville vs 63.4°F in Memphis (4.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.5 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 53.5 in vs 54.9 in.
How far is Clarksville, TN from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 203 mi and the route typically takes 4h 12m via US 79 and I 40. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 1.3% lower than Memphis (90.947 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 30.4% higher 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Clarksville, TN.