Moving from Omaha, NE to Memphis, TN
A move from Omaha, NE to Memphis, TN covers 647 mi and around 12h 47m 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.
647 mi Β· 12h 47m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IA β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IA β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 71, US 63 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Omaha (91.911) and Memphis (92.179) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Memphis: 0.3% below Omaha on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 54.9" |
Memphis runs 12.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (51.3Β°F vs 63.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 0.3% below Omaha ($72,708 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 Nebraska 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.
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 (12.1Β°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 Omaha to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 647 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 29.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 647 mi and the route typically takes 12h 47m via I 29 and US 71. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 0.3% higher than Omaha (92.179 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 50.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 483,970 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Memphis, TN.