Moving from Memphis, TN to Fort Lauderdale, FL
A move from Memphis, TN to Fort Lauderdale, FL covers 943 mi and around 18h 11m 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.
943 mi · 18h 11m by car · TN → MS → AL → GA → FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL → GA → FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, US 280, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Columbus, Gainesville, Orlando, Palm Bay |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Fort Lauderdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 23.8% higher overall in Fort Lauderdale vs Memphis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Fort Lauderdale: 23.8% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Fort Lauderdale -4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 77°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 60°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 64.3" |
Fort Lauderdale runs 13.5°F warmer on the annual average (63.4°F vs 76.9°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Fort Lauderdale — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, FT LAUDERDALE BEACH, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 183,032 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $79,935 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 42.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 23.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.27 |
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is 23.8% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $79,935, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Lauderdale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Fort Lauderdale average 91°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: Fort Lauderdale averages 64.3 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November — stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Fort Lauderdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 943 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Fort Lauderdale compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,474 in Fort Lauderdale vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 251.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Fort Lauderdale compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Fort Lauderdale MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 56.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Fort Lauderdale?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 76.9°F in Fort Lauderdale vs 63.4°F in Memphis (13.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 64.3 in vs 54.9 in.
Is Fort Lauderdale more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Lauderdale is 23.8% higher than Memphis (114.155 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fort Lauderdale, FL from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 943 mi and the route typically takes 18h 11m via US 78 and US 280. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Fort Lauderdale, FL.