Quick answer
Memphis costs $75/month less overall ($1,455 vs $1,530/mo). Memphis also has lower state income tax (None vs Up to 3.99%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Cleveland vs Memphis
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
Cleveland vs Memphis at a Glance
| Metric | Cleveland | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,050 | $1,220 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,320 | $1,220 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $185K ✓ | $195K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $140 ✓ | $150 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $340 | $325 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,530 | $1,455 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 56/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 42/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 3.99% | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Memphis's 1BR averages $980/month vs $1,050 in Cleveland — a $70/month difference, or $840/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Memphis charges None state income tax vs Up to 3.99% in Cleveland. On an $80K salary that's a $3,192/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $4,788 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Cleveland are $185K vs $195K in Memphis. At a 20% down payment, that's a $2,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Memphis utilities run $10 more per month than Cleveland.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Memphis, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Memphis. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Cleveland
Cold cloudy winters with lake-effect snow from Lake Erie; warm summers; exceptional fall colors
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
Job Market
Cleveland top industries
Memphis top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Cleveland if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a manufacturing professionals
- →You're a value-seekers
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts (Lake Erie)
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Memphis if…
- →You're a logistics / supply chain workers
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a musicians
- →You're a remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $1,530 in Cleveland — a $75/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Cleveland or Memphis?
Cleveland is more walkable with a Walk Score of 56/100 vs 36/100. Memphis is more car-dependent.
Cleveland vs Memphis: which has lower state income tax?
Memphis has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,192/year vs Cleveland (Up to 3.99%).
Is Cleveland or Memphis better for buying a home?
Cleveland has lower median home prices at $185K vs $195K in Memphis — a $10,000 difference on the median home.