Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Memphis, TN
Relocating 651 mi from Winston-Salem to Memphis is a 11h 59m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
651 mi Β· 11h 59m by car Β· TN β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Greensboro, High Point |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.043 vs 92.179 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $264,333 to $144,710 moving to Memphis.
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 54.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Winston-Salem (59.5Β°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: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.1% lower in Memphis than Winston-Salem.
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 North 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 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 651 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 Winston-Salem vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 11.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Memphis, TN from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 651 mi and the route typically takes 11h 59m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Memphis more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 0.1% higher than Winston-Salem (92.179 vs 92.043, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 45.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 271,620 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 Winston-Salem.
City profiles: Winston-Salem, NC Β· Memphis, TN.