Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Memphis, TN
Relocating 834 mi from Minneapolis to Memphis is a 15h 44m 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.
834 mi Β· 15h 44m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IA β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IA β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 218, IA 27, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Cedar Rapids, St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.1% moving from Minneapolis to Memphis β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $330,882 in Minneapolis to $144,710 in Memphis, a 12.1% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperature jumps 17.6Β°F β 45.8Β°F in Minneapolis vs 63.4Β°F in Memphis, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.1% β $80,269 β $51,211 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Minnesota 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.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
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 warmer climate (17.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 834 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 56.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Memphis more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 12.1% lower than Minneapolis (92.179 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 36.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Memphis, TN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 834 mi and the route typically takes 15h 44m via US 218 and IA 27. The trip crosses 5 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 Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Memphis, TN.