Moving from Memphis, TN to High Point, NC
Relocating 669 mi from Memphis to High Point is a 12h 21m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
669 mi · 12h 21m by car · TN → VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Winston Salem, Greensboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | High Point | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 92.865 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 89.065 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 74.519 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 92.179 vs 92.865 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.7% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $144,710 to $249,821 moving to High Point.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, High Point +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Memphis (63.4°F) and High Point (61.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
High Point averages 1.9 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, HIGH PT, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 115,263 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $61,228 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 21.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.56 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.7% higher in High Point than Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in High Point MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 44,320 | $36,510 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,250 | $40,420 |
| Production Occupations | 34,760 | $38,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,460 | $35,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,710 | $27,270 |
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 — 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.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Memphis and High Point?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.1°F in High Point vs 63.4°F in Memphis (2.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 1.9 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 54.9 in.
How much do homes cost in High Point compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,821 in High Point vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 72.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in High Point compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,730 in the High Point MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 356,380 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is High Point, NC from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 669 mi and the route typically takes 12h 21m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to High Point?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 669 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 High Point?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,228 in High Point vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 19.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is High Point more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in High Point is 0.7% higher than Memphis (92.865 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 · High Point, NC.