Factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Memphis
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Memphis
Moving from Los Angeles to Memphis means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Memphis, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Los Angeles compares to Memphis so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Los Angeles | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,960 | $1,299 |
Average home value | $2,368,088 | $143,715 |
Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $48,090 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,922 | $1,842 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,213 | $4,402 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 8.0% |
Sales tax | 9.5% | 9.75% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Memphis are 56% lower than in Los Angeles, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
Home prices in Memphis are 93.9% lower than in Los Angeles. - Income in Memphis is 35.9% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Memphis include FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper.
- The cost of living for a single person in Memphis is 53.0% lower than in Los Angeles. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Memphis is 52.2% lower than in Los Angeles.
- The unemployment rate in Memphis is 24.53% lower than in Los Angeles.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Memphis, since the cityโs sales taxes in Memphis are 2.63% higher than in Los Angeles.
- One perk of moving to Memphis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Los Angeles.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,408.98 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Memphis
Memphis | Los Angeles | |
---|---|---|
Population | 633,104 | 3,820,914 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 69 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 59 |
Crime Index | 77.49 | 53.81 |
Safety Index | 22.51 | 46.19 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Memphis's population is about 83% less than Los Angeles.
- Memphis's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's higher score of 8.
- Memphis is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- Memphis has a bike-friendliness score 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Los Angeles with a score of 77.49 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Los Angeles with a score of 22.51 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
- Air quality in Memphis is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Memphis move
- Weather: Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Memphis. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Memphis
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Bluff City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Memphis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
Once youโre settled into your new home in Tennessee, itโs time to get out and discover what Memphis has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Memphis features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Memphis?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Los Angeles to Memphis. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Memphis?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Memphis, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Memphis take?
The 1,793-mile journey from Los Angeles, CA to Memphis, TN typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Los Angeles offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Memphis.