Moving from Memphis, TN to St. Louis, MO
Relocating between Memphis, TN and St. Louis, MO is a 292 mi drive β 5h 21m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
292 mi Β· 5h 21m by car Β· TN β AR β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 78, I 40 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
Memphis and St. Louis sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 43.9" |
Expect 5.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.03 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.2% higher in St. Louis than Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Memphis to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 292 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 St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 7.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 3.2% higher than Memphis (95.088 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is St. Louis, MO from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 292 mi and the route typically takes 5h 21m via I 55 and US 78. The trip crosses 3 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 Β· St. Louis, MO.