Moving from Plano, TX to Memphis, TN
It is a 457 mi drive, roughly 8h 5m, between Plano, TX and Memphis, TN. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
457 mi Β· 8h 5m by car Β· TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Mckinney, Allen, Garland, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Plano | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Memphis at 92.179 vs Plano at 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $498,989 to $144,710 moving to Memphis.
YoY change: Plano -5.3%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Plano | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Plano (65.8Β°F) and Memphis (63.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Memphis averages 2.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Plano | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 287,339 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $108,649 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 39.3 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.1% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.47 |
Memphis households earn about 10.6% less than Plano at the median β $108,649 β $51,211 on 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 Texas 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.
- 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 does household income compare in Plano vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $108,649 in Plano β a 52.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Plano?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 10.6% lower than Plano (92.179 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Memphis, TN from Plano, TX?
The driving distance is 457 mi and the route typically takes 8h 5m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Plano to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 457 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Plano?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,440 in the Plano MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Plano?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $498,989 in Plano β a 71.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Plano.
City profiles: Plano, TX Β· Memphis, TN.