Factors that influence moving costs from St. Louis to Memphis
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Memphis
Moving from St. Louis 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 St. Louis than in Memphis, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how St. Louis compares to Memphis so you know what to expect before you relocate:
St. Louis | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,299 |
Average home value | $171,463 | $143,715 |
Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $48,090 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,589 | $1,842 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,573 | $4,402 |
Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 8.0% |
Sales tax | 9.68% | 9.75% |
State income tax | 4.8% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Memphis are 4% higher than in St. Louis, which means youโll have less 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 16.2% lower than in St. Louis. - Income in Memphis is 27.2% lower than in St. Louis, 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 28.9% lower than in St. Louis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Memphis is 33.0% lower than in St. Louis.
- The unemployment rate in Memphis is 26.98% higher than in St. Louis.
- Sales taxes are the same in Memphis and St. Louis.
- One perk of moving to Memphis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in St. Louis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,134.41 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Louis.
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Memphis
Memphis | St. Louis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 633,104 | 293,310 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 66 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 58 |
Crime Index | 77.49 | 69.65 |
Safety Index | 22.51 | 30.35 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Memphis's population is about 116% greater than St. Louis.
- Memphis's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus St. Louis's higher score of 8.
- Memphis is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 35 out of 100 vs St. Louis's 66 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 St. Louis, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than St. Louis with a score of 77.49 compared to St. Louis's 69.65. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than St. Louis with a score of 22.51 vs St. Louis's 30.35.
- Air quality in Memphis is good, and in St. Louis it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your St. Louis 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Tennessee doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Memphis. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Memphis
Ready to relocate to "Bluff City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to Tennessee, itโs the perfect time to explore Memphis. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Memphis, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Memphis?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from St. Louis to Memphis. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Memphis?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Memphis take?
The 283-mile journey from St. Louis, MO to Memphis, TN typically takes one to four days. Some movers in St. Louis 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.