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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Memphis is 33% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,123/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 20%
$51,211/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 23%
$157,100 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 40%
$1,087/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 20%
629,063
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $12,024/year higher in Memphis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Memphis or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Cleveland?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Cleveland?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $12,024/year higher in Memphis.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Ohio?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Cleveland details →

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