Moving from Mobile, AL to Memphis, TN
Moving from Mobile, AL to Memphis, TN covers 374 mi and about 7h 21m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
374 mi · 7h 21m by car · TN → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 45, US 78, US 45 ALT |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis and Mobile are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.098 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 4.6% under Mobile at $194,564 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Mobile | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 54.9" |
Memphis is 5.7°F cooler on the annual average (69.1°F vs 63.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.47 |
Household income lines up — $51,090 vs $51,211 on 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 Alabama 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 much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $194,564 in Mobile — a 25.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $51,090 in Mobile — a 0.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 374 mi and the route typically takes 7h 21m via US 45 and US 78. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Mobile 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 374 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Memphis more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 4.6% higher than Mobile (92.179 vs 88.098, 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 Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL · Memphis, TN.