Things to know before moving from Texas to Memphis, TN

Cost of living: Texas vs Memphis, TN

Texas Memphis
Average rent cost $1,251 $1,299
Average home value $300,267 $143,715
Average income (per capita) $73,035 $48,090
Unemployment rate 4% 8%
State income tax 0% 0%
  • Rent is about 4% more expensive in Memphis than in Texas.
  • Home prices are about 52% lower in Memphis than in Texas.
  • The average income is about 34% lower in Memphis than in Texas.
  • Memphis has a higher unemployment rate than Texas by about 95%.
  • Income taxes are the same in Memphis and Texas.

How life is different in Memphis from Texas

Memphis Texas
Population 633,104 30,503,301
Political leaning Democratic 51-46 Republican 56-44
Summer high 91ºF 94ºF
Winter low 30ºF 36ºF
Annual rain 54" 36"
Annual snow 3" 2"
Crime index 77.49 27.32
  • The population of Memphis is approximately 98% lower than the population of Texas.
  • In the last presidential election, Memphis voted Democratic and Texas voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Memphis is 91ºF and in Texas, it’s 94ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Memphis reaches the temperature of 30ºF and Texas gets down to 36ºF.
  • You can expect about 54 inches of annual rainfall in Memphis vs 36 inches of rainfall in Texas.
  • In Memphis, it snows about 3 inches annually vs 2 inches of snow in Texas.
  • Memphis has a higher crime rate than Texas with a crime index of 77.49 vs 27.32.

Things to do in Memphis

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Memphis.

Museums in Memphistoggle

  • Graceland
  • National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel
  • Stax Museum of American Soul Music
  • Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
  • Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum
  • Mud Island River Park
  • The Children's Museum of Memphis
  • Museum Of Science & History
  • Metal Museum
  • Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art
  • The Cotton Museum at the Memphis Cotton Exchange
  • Blues Hall of Fame Museum
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House
  • Dixon Gallery & Gardens
  • Fire Museum of Memphis

Parks in Memphistoggle

  • Shelby Farms Park
  • Mud Island River Park
  • Tom Lee Park
  • Levitt Shell
  • Overton Park
  • T. O. Fuller State Park
  • Handy Park
  • Confederate Park
  • Martyrs Park
  • Audubon Park
  • Mississippi Greenbelt Park
  • Court Square
  • Robert R. Church Park
  • Richard & Annette Block Cancer Survivors Park

Sports Teams in Memphistoggle

  • Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
  • Memphis Hustle (NBA G League)

Universities in Memphistoggle

  • University of Memphis
  • Rhodes College
  • Christian Brothers University
  • LeMoyne-Owen College

Other considerations when moving to Memphis, TN

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 Tennessee. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Texas to Memphis take?

The time frame for a move from Texas to Memphis, TN, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Texas, the longer the drive time to Memphis will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Memphis from Texas can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Texas to Memphis?

Because of the 669-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Texas to Memphis as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Memphis, TN?

With the summer highs of 91ºF and the winter lows of 30ºF, most people move to Memphis from Texas during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Memphis during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources