Question 1

Is Columbus or Memphis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $71/month less than in Columbus, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,430/mo in Columbus versus $1,274/mo in Memphis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Columbus vs Memphis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $71,000/year before tax in Columbus, OH and $65,500/year in Memphis, TN — a difference of about $5,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Columbus or Memphis cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,223/month in Columbus and $8,376/month in Memphis, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Columbus or Memphis?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Memphis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Columbus81	Memphis53
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,854	$3,783
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,223	$8,376
Salary for comfort	$71,000/yr	$65,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,430	$1,274
Median home value	$234,500	$157,100
Median household income	$65,327	$51,211
Unemployment	3.4%	5.6%
Housing score	69	65
Jobs score	84	14
Safety score	81	4
Climate score	94	100
Amenities score	56	47
Population	906.5K	629.1K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 23°	92° / 33°

Columbus, OH vs Memphis, TN