Moving from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC
Relocating 728 mi from Memphis to Durham is a 13h 31m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
728 mi Β· 13h 31m by car Β· TN β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Winston Salem, High Point, Greensboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $144,710 to $396,395 moving to Durham.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 48.6" |
Expect 5.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.34 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.9% β $51,211 β $79,234 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Durham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 37,060 | $71,120 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,210 | $45,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 27,730 | $63,500 |
| Management Occupations | 27,600 | $133,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 27,050 | $82,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Durham more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 5.9% higher than Memphis (97.572 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 Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 728 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 54.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 173.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Durham, NC from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 728 mi and the route typically takes 13h 31m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Durham, NC.