Moving from Memphis, TN to Wilmington, NC
A move from Memphis, TN to Wilmington, NC covers 793 mi and around 14h 45m of driving through 6 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.
793 mi · 14h 45m by car · TN → MS → AL → GA → SC → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL → GA → SC → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 78, US 74 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Wilmington | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 96.422 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 87.902 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 93.215 | 100.0 |
Wilmington and Memphis are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.179 vs 96.422); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Wilmington typical home at $416,159 is 4.6% above Memphis at $144,710 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Wilmington -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 60.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 63.4°F vs 64.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Wilmington sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, WILMINGTON INTL AP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 118,578 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $63,900 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.15 |
Median household income in Wilmington is 4.6% above Memphis ($51,211 vs $63,900, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wilmington MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,880 | $27,660 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,320 | $38,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,960 | $34,860 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,580 | $35,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,220 | $76,440 |
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-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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wilmington average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Wilmington averages 60.1 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Wilmington?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Wilmington vs 63.4°F in Memphis (1.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 60.1 in vs 54.9 in.
Is Wilmington more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wilmington is 4.6% higher than Memphis (96.422 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Wilmington?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,900 in Wilmington vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 24.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Wilmington, NC from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 793 mi and the route typically takes 14h 45m via I 20 and US 78. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Wilmington compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $416,159 in Wilmington vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 187.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Wilmington?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 793 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Wilmington compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,250 in the Wilmington MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 142,780 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 · Wilmington, NC.