Moving from Miami Gardens, FL to Memphis, TN
Relocating 958 mi from Miami Gardens to Memphis is a 18h 23m drive through 5 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.
958 mi Β· 18h 23m by car Β· TN β MS β AL β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β MS β AL β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, US 280, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Columbus, Gainesville, Orlando, Palm Bay |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Miami Gardens | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 19.3% cheaper overall in Memphis than Miami Gardens on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
19.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Miami Gardens -2.9%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Miami Gardens | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 68.3" | 54.9" |
Expect 12.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Miami Gardens | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,264 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $60,979 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 19.3% lower in Memphis than Miami Gardens.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92Β°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: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.6Β°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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Miami Gardens vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $60,979 in Miami Gardens β a 16.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Miami Gardens, FL?
The driving distance is 958 mi and the route typically takes 18h 23m via US 78 and US 280. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Miami Gardens?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $469,434 in Miami Gardens β a 69.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Miami Gardens to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 958 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Miami Gardens?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Memphis more expensive than Miami Gardens?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 19.3% lower than Miami Gardens (92.179 vs 114.155, 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 Miami Gardens.
City profiles: Miami Gardens, FL Β· Memphis, TN.