Moving from Memphis, TN to Columbus, OH
A move from Memphis, TN to Columbus, OH covers 585 mi and around 10h 52m of driving through 3 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.
585 mi · 10h 52m by car · OH → KY → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → KY → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 71, I 40, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Memphis (92.179) and Columbus (95.469) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Columbus: 3.6% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 21°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 44.7" |
Columbus is 10.6°F cooler on the annual average (63.4°F vs 52.8°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.34 |
Median household income in Columbus is 3.6% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $65,327, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.6°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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 70.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Columbus, OH from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 585 mi and the route typically takes 10h 52m via I 71 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Columbus more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 3.6% higher than Memphis (95.469 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 585 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 Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 27.6% 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 · Columbus, OH.