Moving from Memphis, TN to Winston-Salem, NC
Relocating 651 mi from Memphis to Winston-Salem is a 11h 59m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
651 mi Β· 11h 59m by car Β· TN β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Greensboro, High Point |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Winston-Salem | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 92.043 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 88.421 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 71.377 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.179 vs 92.043 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $144,710 to $264,333 moving to Winston-Salem.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Winston-Salem +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 43.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Memphis (63.4Β°F) and Winston-Salem (59.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 250,887 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $57,673 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.5 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.1% higher in Winston-Salem than Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Winston-Salem MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,440 | $40,070 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,960 | $36,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 26,050 | $31,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,820 | $27,550 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 24,350 | $78,520 |
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 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.
- 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
How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 651 mi and the route typically takes 11h 59m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Winston-Salem compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 271,620 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Winston-Salem compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,333 in Winston-Salem vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 82.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Winston-Salem?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $57,673 in Winston-Salem vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 12.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Winston-Salem more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Winston-Salem is 0.1% lower than Memphis (92.043 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Winston-Salem?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 651 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Winston-Salem, NC.