Memphis vs Columbus

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Ohio salaries

Living in Memphis vs Columbus

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Memphis has a housing index of 63 while Columbus sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $240,000 in Columbus, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $1,200 in Columbus.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while Columbus scores 99.

Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than Columbus (96).

Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $56,590 in Columbus. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.

Relocating: Memphis vs Columbus

If you are considering a move between Memphis (index: 84) and Columbus (index: 93), the 10% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Memphis is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Memphis can afford $962/month, while the median household in Columbus can afford $1,320/month. With median homes at $155,000 in Memphis versus $240,000 in Columbus, both cities offer reasonable homeownership opportunities at median income.

Renting vs buying: At $1,000/month in Memphis and $1,200/month in Columbus, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Memphis where costs are 16% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Memphis (84) vs Columbus (93)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Memphis at 84 is 16% below the US average, while Columbus at 93 is 7% below average. Both cities are relatively affordable compared to the national average.

A 9-point index spread separates Columbus from Memphis, a moderate gap that adds up across monthly bills but is manageable with a typical dual-income household budget. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Memphis scores 63 and Columbus scores 82. That 19-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Memphis with indices of 63 versus 82. Median home prices of $155,000 in Memphis and $240,000 in Columbus underscore this gap.

For renters: With median rents of $1,000/month in Memphis and $1,200/month in Columbus, the annual rent difference is approximately $2,400. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $12,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $85,000 difference in median home prices between Memphis and Columbus translates to roughly $5,100 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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