Moving from North Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
A move from North Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN covers 663 mi and around 12h 28m of driving through 5 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.
663 mi · 12h 28m by car · TN → MS → AL → GA → SC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL → GA → SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 78, I 26 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Charleston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| North Charleston | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.962 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.212 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 119.77 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Memphis are 8.7% below North Charleston — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 8.7% under North Charleston at $309,522 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: North Charleston -2.5%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | North Charleston | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.3" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | 54.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 66.5°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: CHARLESTON INTL AP, SC US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | North Charleston | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,460 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $62,789 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 8.7% below North Charleston ($62,789 → $51,211, ACS 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 South Carolina 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
Is Memphis more expensive than North Charleston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 8.7% lower than North Charleston (92.179 vs 100.962, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from North Charleston 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 663 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from North Charleston, SC?
The driving distance is 663 mi and the route typically takes 12h 28m via I 20 and US 78. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to North Charleston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $309,522 in North Charleston — a 53.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to North Charleston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $46,130 in the North Charleston MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 374,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in North Charleston vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $62,789 in North Charleston — a 18.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between North Charleston and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 66.5°F in North Charleston (3.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 0.3 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 52.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from North Charleston.
City profiles: North Charleston, SC · Memphis, TN.