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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Cincinnati, OH

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

7.0% Cincinnati, OH is more expensive overall
14.3% 14.3% more expensive housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 14.3% more
Memphis
70
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
Memphis
92
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Memphis
96
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.7% more
Memphis
90
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Memphis
98
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index86927.0% more
Housing708014.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,05010.5% more
Median Home Price$165,000$215,00030.3% more
Groceries92964.3% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare90966.7% more
Utilities9898~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Cincinnati, OH
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Cincinnati, OH
$58,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Cincinnati outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Cincinnati (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Memphis to Cincinnati?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 14.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Cincinnati?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Memphis to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 compared to $58,000 in Cincinnati. 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 Memphis vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Ohio averages 1.41%.