Moving from Memphis, TN to Garland, TX
Moving from Memphis, TN to Garland, TX covers 449 mi and about 7h 52m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
449 mi Β· 7h 52m by car Β· TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Mesquite, Dallas, Mckinney, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Garland is 11.8% higher than Memphis, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Garland is 11.8% above Memphis β $144,710 vs $286,805 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 41.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Memphis (63.4Β°F) and Garland (65.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 3.04 |
Median household income in Garland is 11.8% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $74,717, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Garland average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 98.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Garland, TX from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 449 mi and the route typically takes 7h 52m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 45.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 449 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Garland more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 11.8% higher than Memphis (103.09 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Garland, TX.