Moving from Memphis, TN to Naperville, IL
A move from Memphis, TN to Naperville, IL covers 537 mi and around 9h 59m of driving through 4 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.
537 mi Β· 9h 59m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, US 78, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Chicago, Aurora, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.179 in Memphis to 103.595 in Naperville, a 12.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Naperville: 12.4% above Memphis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 40.2" |
Naperville is 14.2Β°F cooler on the annual average (63.4Β°F vs 49.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.75 |
Median household income in Naperville is 12.4% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $150,937, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.2Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 537 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 Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 194.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Naperville more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 12.4% higher than Memphis (103.595 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 321.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Naperville, IL from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 537 mi and the route typically takes 9h 59m via I 57 and US 78. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 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· Naperville, IL.