Moving from Midland, TX to Memphis, TN
A move from Midland, TX to Memphis, TN covers 791 mi and around 13h 47m of driving through 3 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.
791 mi · 13h 47m by car · TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Allen, Mckinney, Garland, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis and Midland are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.783 vs 92.179); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 3.8% under Midland at $328,325 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Midland | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | 54.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 65.0°F vs 63.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 3.8% below Midland ($91,169 vs $51,211, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Texas 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 — 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.
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 92°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 — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Midland vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $91,169 in Midland — a 43.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.8% lower than Midland (92.179 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 791 mi and the route typically takes 13h 47m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Midland to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 791 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $328,325 in Midland — a 55.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Midland and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 65.0°F in Midland (1.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 13.6 in.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 114,810 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 Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX · Memphis, TN.