If you're considering a move to either the Bronx, NY, or Memphis, TN, there's a wide range of factors to think about. Both cities offer unique qualities from crime and safety to the food and culture scene, and you'll find stark differences between them. We'll look at various important parameters such as cost of living, education, employment opportunities, neighborhoods, taxes, sports, and healthcare, among others. Regardless of whether you're considering to relocate or you're simply a visitor, understanding these cities better can help you make the most suitable decision.
Bronx, NY, has seen a significant decrease in crime over the years, but it still has higher crime rates compared to other NYC boroughs. Borne from a history of struggles, the Bronx is now working towards improving safety, with concerted efforts from both law enforcement and community leaders. Memphis, TN, on the other hand, has a high crime rate compared to the national average, including both violent and property crimes. Neighborhoods such as Springhill Community in Memphis are particularly notorious.
Cost of Living
Living in the Bronx is significantly expensive, due largely to high housing costs. Essentials such as groceries and healthcare also tend to be more costly than the national average. Memphis, in contrast, has one of the lowest cost of living among major cities in the U.S. Housing, in particular, is notably cheaper compared to Bronx and the national average.
Income Tax
New York has a progressive income tax system, and Bronx residents fall under this. It ranges from 4% to 8.82% depending on income level. Tennessee, on the other hand, does not impose any income tax, which applies to Memphis as well.
Property Tax
Bronx property owners are subject to New York City's property tax, which is relatively high compared to the rest of the country. Memphis has lower property taxes, but Tennessee as a whole has higher-than-average property taxes due to no income tax.
Sales Tax
New York has a high sales tax rate that impacts the Bronx, currently sitting at 8.875% (state and city combined). Memphis, under Tennessee's jurisdiction, has a higher sales tax of 9.25%.
Income
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Estimated median household income
$43,011
$44,317
Estimated per capita income
$23,354
$28,571
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
172.8
85.5
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $101,053 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The Bronx has a varied landscape including beaches along the Long Island Sound, the rolling hills in Riverdale, and urban areas with apartment buildings. Memphis is located along the Mississippi River and is mostly flat, with several parks and outdoor spaces.
Geographical information
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Land area
42 sq. miles
279.3 sq. miles
Population density
32,928 people per sq. mile
2,248.8 people per sq. mile
Elevation
120 feet
254 feet
Relative area comparison
Bronx, NY Memphis, TN
Education
The Bronx houses numerous prestigious schools, both public and private. It is a part of the largest public school system in the U.S., the New York City Department of Education. Memphis, on the other hand, has faced some challenges education-wise but has shown significant improvement recently. It's home to some high-performing schools but also has some institutions that struggle academically.
In the Bronx, healthcare, education, and retail are the biggest industries. Despite this, the borough struggles with a high unemployment rate. Memphis has a thriving economy spearheaded by industries like healthcare, transportation, and services. It has more job opportunities and a lower unemployment rate than the Bronx.
Biggest Employers
In Bronx, some of the biggest employers include Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and the Department of Education. Memphis is home to FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone, among others, offering diverse employment opportunities.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Memphis
2020
83.7%
64.8%
16.0%
34.2%
0.3%
1.1%
2016
88.6%
62.3%
9.5%
34.7%
2.0%
3.1%
2012
91.9%
62.9%
8.1%
36.7%
0.0%
0.4%
2008
89.0%
63.8%
11.0%
36.2%
0.0%
0.0%
2004
82.9%
57.7%
16.5%
42.0%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
86.5%
56.8%
11.8%
42.3%
1.7%
0.9%
1996
85.8%
78.9%
10.5%
19.6%
3.7%
1.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Memphis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.5%
6.5%
11.5%
2.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.8%
0.5%
3.9%
0.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.3%
4.4%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
6.5%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
3.7%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
14.8%
2.4%
15.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
0.6%
1.0%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.2%
0.6%
Weather
The Bronx experiences a humid subtropical climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Extreme temperatures are rare but can occur. Memphis, TN has a subtropical climate typified by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Memphis receives more sunshine and less snowfall than the Bronx.
Weather and climate
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Temperature - Average
54.7°F
61.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.2%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.4%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.2%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
47 in
54.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
54.5 in
8.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.5%
19.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
68.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
50%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
8.8 mph
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Memphis
Bronx
Memphis
2018
102
81
0.31
0.24
15.8
10.4
24.4
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.0
7.4
8.1
0.6
0.4
2017
100
74
0.04
0.24
15.7
10.2
24.6
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.5
7.0
7.9
0.6
0.3
2016
98
76
0.30
0.24
16.4
10.2
24.6
28.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.6
7.2
8.5
0.8
0.9
2015
105
77
0.28
0.26
18.0
11.1
23.6
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
9.2
1.4
1.0
2014
99
75
0.32
0.27
18.0
10.1
23.6
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
9.9
1.7
1.3
2013
103
74
0.39
0.31
18.9
8.3
23.5
26.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
10.2
2.1
1.0
2012
104
94
0.44
0.32
18.8
9.3
23.9
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
10.7
3.1
0.6
2011
113
93
0.46
0.34
20.9
10.0
22.1
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
11.1
4.5
0.5
2010
113
95
0.53
0.43
20.2
10.3
23.7
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
12.9
4.7
N/A
2009
107
86
0.53
0.35
22.3
8.7
19.5
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
11.8
5.4
N/A
2008
114
94
0.53
0.36
23.3
10.3
19.9
26.3
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.1
13.2
5.9
N/A
2007
122
106
0.60
0.47
24.6
11.2
19.1
26.7
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
14.8
7.0
5.6
2006
120
108
0.50
0.43
25.0
13.0
18.9
26.8
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
14.7
7.0
6.3
2005
115
110
0.60
0.46
27.0
10.1
17.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.9
9.3
4.9
2004
109
98
0.62
0.51
25.6
N/A
16.7
24.9
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
8.8
5.9
2003
110
110
0.75
0.57
27.4
20.1
17.1
25.3
0.022
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
15.0
8.9
5.8
2002
124
110
0.67
0.58
27.9
20.4
17.4
25.1
0.008
N/A
25.0
15.6
N/A
N/A
8.6
4.5
2001
126
111
0.66
0.66
30.0
24.7
17.8
26.0
0.020
N/A
22.8
22.7
N/A
N/A
10.0
6.1
2000
115
103
0.68
0.63
29.4
25.2
16.0
26.2
0.022
N/A
22.2
24.9
N/A
N/A
10.2
6.4
Natural disasters
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
58.3%
198.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31%
474%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
18%
Transportation
The Bronx boasts an extensive public transit system, including subways and buses. Many Bronx residents commute to work in other parts of New York City. In contrast, public transit in Memphis is less extensive, with many residents relying on cars.
Transport
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
39
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
52
Means of transportation to work
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Bicycle
0.2%
0%
Bus
15.6%
0.4%
Carpooled
9.3%
7.5%
Car alone
27%
88.8%
Railroad
2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
34.6%
0%
Taxicab
1.3%
0.1%
Walked
7.2%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Average
44.2 min
27 min
Real Estate
Real estate in the Bronx is more expensive than in Memphis. Bronx housing trends upwards, driven by proximity to Manhattan and the ongoing gentrification of certain neighborhoods. Memphis' real estate market is significantly more affordable, with a median home cost well below the national average.
Neighborhoods
The Bronx consists of diverse neighborhoods, with areas like Riverdale being prestigious and others like South Bronx undergoing significant revitalization. Memphis neighborhoods range from the centrally located Downtown to the culturally diverse Cooper-Young, each with their own distinct vibes.
Houses and residents
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Houses
490,659
288,491
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Houses occupied
463,212 (94.4%)
256,968 (89.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
90,522 (19.5%)
119,622 (46.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
372,690 (80.5%)
137,346 (53.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,273
$760.83
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$708,992
$201,932
Estimated median house or condo value
$465,000
$142,800
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.1
6.6
Renting percentage
80.7%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
11,675
1,032.8
Household income disparities
50.2%
48.2%
Housing units without a mortgage
12,021 (34%)
1,461 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
105 (0.3%)
3,970 (5.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
23,339 (66%)
71,386 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,053 (5.8%)
322 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,159 (6.1%)
5,907 (8.1%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
5.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,572
16,111
State government workers
14,515
7,650
Unpaid family workers
1,000
668
Industries and Occupations
In the Bronx, the predominant industries are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. In Memphis, logistics and shipping dominate the economy, because of the presence of FedEx and the Memphis International Airport. Other significant industries include healthcare, education, and services.
The Bronx is served by many high-quality hospitals, including Montefiore Medical Center. Health disparities exist, however, particularly in poorer neighborhoods. Memphis has a good healthcare system led by facilities like the Baptist Memorial Hospital, but like the Bronx, disparities are prevalent in poorer areas.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Bronx
Memphis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
As a part of New York City, the Bronx benefits from extensive infrastructure including world-class hospitals, schools, highways, and parks. Infrastructural challenges include aging buildings and public housing. Memphis also has robust infrastructure, anchored by the Memphis International Airport, the busiest cargo airport in North America. It also suffers from infrastructural challenges, particularly regarding public transportation and road conditions.
Infrastructure
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Hospitals
57
35
TV stations
30
14
Bank branches located here
118
160
Bank institutions located here
24
33
Main business address for public companies
2
17
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
4
4
Schools
School facilities
Type
Bronx
Memphis
Private elementary/middle schools
54
30
Private high schools
20
24
Public elementary/middle schools
285
168
Public high schools
155
59
Colleges/Universities
9
31
Culture and Food
Bronx is a melting pot of cultures, manifested in its diverse culinary scene, vibrant street art, and music. The borough is famously home to the Yankee Stadium and the birthplace of hip-hop. Memphis is known for its deep roots in blues music, historic landmarks like Graceland, and famous BBQ cuisine.
Sports Teams
The Bronx is home to the world-renowned New York Yankees. Lesser-known but still significant are teams like the soccer club NYCFC. Memphis, though smaller, has a passionate sports culture, particularly with the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies and minor league baseball's Memphis Redbirds.
Bronx, NY
Memphis, TN
Bronx, NY and 
Memphis, TN : 959.9 miles
