Question 1

Is Memphis or Portland cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $658/month less than in Portland, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $1,922/mo in Portland.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Portland?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $89,000/year in Portland, OR — a difference of about $23,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Portland 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 $8,376/month in Memphis and $10,916/month in Portland, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Portland?

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	Memphis53	Portland59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$4,441
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$10,916
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$89,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$1,922
Median home value	$157,100	$557,600
Median household income	$51,211	$88,792
Unemployment	5.6%	5.2%
Housing score	65	36
Jobs score	14	30
Safety score	4	53
Climate score	100	93
Amenities score	47	79
Population	629.1K	642.7K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	81° / 36°

Memphis, TN vs Portland, OR