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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Memphis and Columbus have a similar cost of living.

$1,123/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 5%
$51,211/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↑ 11%
$157,100 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$182,300 ↑ 16%
$1,087/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 2%
629,063
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $5,411/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Columbus — common questions

Is Memphis or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Columbus?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Columbus?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $5,411/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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