Moving from Richmond, VA to Memphis, TN
The drive from Richmond, VA to Memphis, TN runs 819 mi — about 15h 3m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
819 mi · 15h 3m by car · TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Memphis are 5.8% below Richmond — 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 5.8% under Richmond at $369,646 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Richmond | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 29°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | 54.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 58.9°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: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.47 |
Income steps down 5.8%: $62,671 in Richmond vs $51,211 in Memphis.
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 Virginia 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap 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 far is Memphis, TN from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 819 mi and the route typically takes 15h 3m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 5.8% lower than Richmond (92.179 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Richmond 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 819 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $62,671 in Richmond — a 18.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Richmond and Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 58.9°F in Richmond (4.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 8.8 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 45.5 in.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $369,646 in Richmond — a 60.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA · Memphis, TN.