salaryMemphis is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Memphis to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,611
$1,399
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$1,194
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$55,797
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$169,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
92.2
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$1,845
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$223
👥 People living there
914,802
618,980
Commute to work
21.5 min
21.1 min
College degree
38.2%
28%
Own their home
44.1%
44.9%
Below poverty line
18.1%
23.1%
Unemployment
5.1%
8.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Memphis for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $24,550 | -35% in Memphis |
| Police Officer | $100,890 | $75,410 | -25% in Memphis |
| Carpenter | $66,480 | $50,620 | -24% in Memphis |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,150 | $61,510 | -21% in Memphis |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,880 | $78,580 | -19% in Memphis |
| HVAC Technician | $64,440 | $56,780 | -12% in Memphis |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,970 | $38,010 | -12% in Memphis |
| Physician Assistant | $137,550 | $121,900 | -11% in Memphis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,399 a month there versus $1,611 in Columbus.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $57,932 a year gives the same standard of living in Memphis.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Memphis?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $55,797 in Memphis, 28% more in Columbus.