Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Memphis, TN (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Columbus is 22% more expensive than Memphis.

$1,224/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 8%
$65,327/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 22%
$234,500 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 33%
$1,243/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 13%
906,480
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $14,116/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Memphis — common questions

Is Columbus or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Memphis?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Memphis?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $14,116/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Tennessee?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Memphis has a cost index of 68 with rent of $1,123/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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