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Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Memphis, TN

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

7.5% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
18.6% 18.6% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.6% cheaper
Columbus
86
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 4.2% cheaper
Columbus
96
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Columbus
98
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% cheaper
Columbus
94
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 3.2% more
Columbus
95
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Columbus, OH Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index93867.5% less
Housing867018.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$95013.6% less
Median Home Price$260,000$165,00036.5% less
Groceries96924.2% less
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare94904.3% less
Utilities95983.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Columbus, OH Memphis, TN
State Income Tax3.50% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax5.75%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.41%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Columbus, OH
$64,000
Median household income
Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Memphis costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Memphis to maintain your Columbus lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Columbus (93) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Columbus3.8%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Columbus2.8%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Columbus23 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Columbus41
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Columbus40
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Columbus52°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Columbus905,748
Memphis633,104

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Columbus and Memphis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Memphis →

Compare Other Cities

Columbus vs Austin → Columbus vs Denver → Columbus vs Nashville → Memphis vs Raleigh → Memphis vs Portland → Memphis vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbus or Memphis cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Columbus and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Columbus or Memphis?+
Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Columbus to Memphis?+
Median household income in Columbus is $64,000 compared to $48,000 in Memphis. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Columbus vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Columbus is $260,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Ohio averages 1.41% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.