Moving from Memphis, TN to Grand Prairie, TX
Moving from Memphis, TN to Grand Prairie, TX covers 477 mi and about 8h 21m 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.
477 mi Β· 8h 21m 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, Mckinney, Allen, Garland, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Grand Prairie | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.179 in Memphis to 103.09 in Grand Prairie, a 11.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Grand Prairie: 11.8% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Grand Prairie -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Grand Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 41.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, JOE POOL LAKE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Grand Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 198,564 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $78,889 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.97 |
Median household income in Grand Prairie is 11.8% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $78,889, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Grand Prairie 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 Grand Prairie average 96Β°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
Is Grand Prairie more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Grand Prairie is 11.8% higher than Memphis (103.09 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Grand Prairie compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $316,527 in Grand Prairie vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 118.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Grand Prairie?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 477 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Grand Prairie, TX from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 477 mi and the route typically takes 8h 21m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Grand Prairie compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Grand Prairie 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.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Grand Prairie?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,889 in Grand Prairie vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 54.0% 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 Β· Grand Prairie, TX.