Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Memphis, TN
A move from Rio Rancho, NM to Memphis, TN covers 1029 mi and around 17h 53m 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.
1029 mi Β· 17h 53m by car Β· TN β AR β OK β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β OK β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 270, NM 423 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Norman, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rio Rancho | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis and Rio Rancho are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.546 vs 92.179); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 3.5% under Rio Rancho at $361,856 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Rio Rancho +0.3%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rio Rancho | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.5" | 54.9" |
Memphis runs 5.4Β°F warmer on the annual average (58.0Β°F vs 63.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO RANCHO #2, NM US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rio Rancho | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,533 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $85,755 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 39 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 3.5% below Rio Rancho ($85,755 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 New Mexico 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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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
Is Memphis more expensive than Rio Rancho?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.5% lower than Rio Rancho (92.179 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Rio Rancho to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1029 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Rio Rancho?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $361,856 in Rio Rancho β a 60.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Rio Rancho?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Rio Rancho vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $85,755 in Rio Rancho β a 40.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance is 1029 mi and the route typically takes 17h 53m via I 40 and US 270. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rio Rancho.
City profiles: Rio Rancho, NM Β· Memphis, TN.