Quick answer
Memphis costs $505/month less overall ($1,455 vs $1,960/mo). Memphis also has lower state income tax (None vs 9.9% (top)), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Eugene 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
Eugene vs Memphis at a Glance
| Metric | Eugene | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,400 | $1,220 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,700 | $1,220 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $445K | $195K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $150 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $415 | $325 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,960 | $1,455 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 47/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 35/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.9% (top) | 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 $1,400 in Eugene — a $420/month difference, or $5,040/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Memphis charges None state income tax vs 9.9% (top) in Eugene. On an $80K salary that's a $6,800/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $10,200 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Memphis are $195K vs $445K in Eugene. At a 20% down payment, that's a $50,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Memphis utilities run $5 more per month than Eugene.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Eugene, OR
Eugene 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
Eugene
Pacific Northwest climate: rainy, cloudy 8 months a year (October-May); mild, wet winters (35-45°F, 40-60 inches annual rain); dry summers (70-80°F, rare rain June-September); overcast skies dominate September-June
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
Job Market
Eugene top industries
Memphis top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Eugene if…
- →You're a College town enthusiasts
- →You're a Runners / track and field culture
- →You're a Outdoor recreationists
- →You're a People seeking progressive politics and smaller-city feel
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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eugene or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $1,960 in Eugene — a $505/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Eugene or Memphis?
Eugene is more walkable with a Walk Score of 47/100 vs 36/100. Memphis is more car-dependent.
Eugene vs Memphis: which has lower state income tax?
Memphis has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $6,800/year vs Eugene (9.9% (top)).
Is Eugene or Memphis better for buying a home?
Memphis has lower median home prices at $195K vs $445K in Eugene — a $250,000 difference on the median home.