Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Memphis, TN
Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Memphis, TN covers 230 mi and about 4h 18m by car through 1 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.
230 mi · 4h 18m by car · TN
Distance & route
| Route through | TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 840, I 24 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Murfreesboro | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.338 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.95 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.626 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Murfreesboro (96.338) and Memphis (92.179) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Memphis: 4.3% below Murfreesboro on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Murfreesboro +0.1%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Murfreesboro | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.9" | 54.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Murfreesboro | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,547 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $76,241 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 31.4 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.69 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 4.3% below Murfreesboro ($76,241 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.
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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Murfreesboro 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 230 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Murfreesboro, TN?
The driving distance is 230 mi and the route typically takes 4h 18m via I 40 and I 840. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Murfreesboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 1,074,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Memphis more expensive than Murfreesboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 4.3% lower than Murfreesboro (92.179 vs 96.338, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Murfreesboro vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $76,241 in Murfreesboro — a 32.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Murfreesboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $426,292 in Murfreesboro — a 66.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Murfreesboro and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 58.9°F in Murfreesboro (4.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 2.2 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 55.9 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Murfreesboro.
City profiles: Murfreesboro, TN · Memphis, TN.