Memphis, Tennessee and Cincinnati, Ohio are two distinct cities with a wealth of diverse experiences for both residents and tourists. Each has its own historical and cultural aspects, economic prospects, and lifestyle opportunities. Comparatively, Cincinnati provides a more balanced, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong emphasis on education, while Memphis is characterized by a culturally enriching environment with a strong connection to music history.
Distance between
Memphis, TN and
Cincinnati, OH : 409.5 miles
Memphis's population is larger by 103%. Its population has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) since 2000. The population of Cincinnati has decreased by 22,350 people (6.7%) during that time.
Memphis has a higher crime rate than Cincinnati. It's important to note that Memphis does face challenges concerning crime and safety but is actively working towards improvements. On the other hand, Cincinnati also has neighborhoods where crime rates are higher, but overall, the crime rate is lower. Both cities have law enforcement initiatives in place to improve safety for their residents.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 2,629 registered sex offenders living in Memphis and 1,094 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Memphis is 248 to 1; the ratio in Cincinnati is 273 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Memphis is near to than in Cincinnati.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Memphis is lower compared to Cincinnati. This includes housing costs which are significantly lower in Memphis as well as the general consumer price index. Additionally, Memphis has a lower sales tax than Cincinnati, providing a more affordable living experience overall.
Income Tax
Tennessee, including Memphis, does not impose a statewide income tax, while Cincinnati residents do have city and state income taxes, with rates depending on their income levels.
Property Tax
Property taxes differ significantly, with Memphis having a much higher rate than Cincinnati. However, lower property costs in Memphis may offset this higher rate.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Memphis is higher than that in Cincinnati. Cincinnati residents pay a city sales tax of 7%, while Memphis residents pay a total sales tax of 9.25%.
Income
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Estimated median household income
$44,317
$42,733
Estimated per capita income
$28,571
$34,519
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.5
89
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $52,047 in Cincinnati to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Memphis is characterized by its location on the Mississippi River, flat terrain, and rich, fertile soil ideal for agriculture. Cincinnati, nestled alongside the Ohio River, is known for its seven picturesque hills offering scenic views.
Cincinnati offers a stronger education system; its public schools consistently outperform Memphis’s in national rankings. Moreover, Cincinnati is home to several universities, including the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. Memphis does have its share of educational opportunities with the University of Memphis and other colleges, although it struggles with lower public school ratings.
Both cities have diverse economies. Memphis's economy is driven largely by the transportation and shipping industry, due to its geographical location along the Mississippi River, as well as healthcare. On the other hand, Cincinnati's economy is diverse, with strengths in finance, insurance, retail trade, and manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
In Memphis, organizations such as FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Autozone are major employers. In Cincinnati, Kroger, Procter & Gamble, and the University of Cincinnati are some of the city's biggest employers.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Cincinnati (Hamilton County), 52.7% voted for Democrats and 46.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
2020
64.8%
57.2%
34.2%
41.3%
1.1%
1.5%
2016
62.3%
52.8%
34.7%
42.5%
3.1%
4.8%
2012
62.9%
52.7%
36.7%
46.4%
0.4%
0.9%
2008
63.8%
53.1%
36.2%
46.1%
0.0%
0.7%
2004
57.7%
47.3%
42.0%
52.7%
0.3%
0.0%
2000
56.8%
42.8%
42.3%
54.1%
0.9%
3.1%
1996
78.9%
43.1%
19.6%
50.1%
1.5%
6.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.8%
1.2%
15.1%
6.5%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
6.5%
25.6%
2.7%
12.5%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1.5%
0.0%
0.7%
0.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
1.1%
1.8%
3.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.2%
0.8%
0.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.0%
1.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
0.6%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
0.9%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
1.3%
0.6%
2.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.6%
0.4%
1.8%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
1.8%
0.1%
1.1%
Weather
Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot and humid summers while Cincinnati has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Memphis weather may feel hotter and muggier, while Cincinnati offers a more four-seasons climate including cold winters with snow, which can be a pro or con depending on personal preference.
Weather and climate
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Temperature - Average
61.9°F
52.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
54.3 in
45 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
8.6 in
47.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.7%
13.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
68.7%
57.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
33.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
33.9%
Wind speed - Average
8.8 mph
9 mph
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Average climate in Cincinnati, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
Memphis
Cincinnati
2018
81
87
0.24
0.20
10.4
9.6
27.1
27.8
19.0
18.3
8.1
10.5
0.4
0.8
2017
74
81
0.24
0.23
10.2
8.5
28.1
29.2
17.5
18.8
7.9
9.2
0.3
1.1
2016
76
88
0.24
0.24
10.2
9.4
28.8
28.4
19.6
21.2
8.5
8.4
0.9
1.1
2015
77
91
0.26
0.26
11.1
11.0
26.9
26.4
N/A
21.5
9.2
9.5
1.0
1.5
2014
75
89
0.27
0.24
10.1
11.4
26.5
27.3
N/A
19.5
9.9
12.0
1.3
2.0
2013
74
92
0.31
0.24
8.3
11.5
26.6
27.0
N/A
22.9
10.2
11.9
1.0
2.6
2012
94
97
0.32
0.26
9.3
4.8
29.7
27.6
N/A
23.4
10.7
13.6
0.6
3.4
2011
93
102
0.34
0.26
10.0
12.9
29.0
28.1
N/A
22.1
11.1
13.1
0.5
4.0
2010
95
113
0.43
N/A
10.3
14.7
27.9
29.7
N/A
26.6
12.9
18.7
N/A
3.7
2009
86
77
0.35
N/A
8.7
14.4
24.9
25.6
N/A
22.6
11.8
8.2
N/A
2.2
2008
94
85
0.36
N/A
10.3
16.0
26.3
26.5
N/A
N/A
13.2
9.4
N/A
3.0
2007
106
100
0.47
N/A
11.2
17.1
26.7
30.2
N/A
N/A
14.8
12.7
5.6
4.0
2006
108
83
0.43
N/A
13.0
18.0
26.8
29.3
N/A
21.9
14.7
N/A
6.3
4.2
2005
110
110
0.46
0.49
10.1
20.6
26.9
30.9
N/A
N/A
17.9
N/A
4.9
5.6
2004
98
91
0.51
0.36
N/A
18.7
24.9
27.7
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
5.9
5.5
2003
110
86
0.57
0.33
20.1
21.9
25.3
27.6
N/A
N/A
15.0
N/A
5.8
4.9
2002
110
98
0.58
0.32
20.4
21.4
25.1
29.4
15.6
20.0
N/A
N/A
4.5
4.5
2001
111
102
0.66
0.41
24.7
21.4
26.0
29.4
22.7
22.9
N/A
N/A
6.1
5.0
2000
103
104
0.63
0.40
25.2
22.1
26.2
28.0
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.4
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
198.6%
166.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
474%
148.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
15%
Transportation
Both cities offer public transit systems and have accessible road networks for commuting. Cincinnati's Metro offers bus transit throughout the city, and it also has a bike-share program. Memphis also offers bus transit as well as trolleys. Both have accessible international airports.
Transport
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
454
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
52
16
Means of transportation to work
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Bicycle
0%
0.3%
Bus
0.4%
3.2%
Carpooled
7.5%
7.2%
Car alone
88.8%
84.7%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
1.2%
3.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Average
27 min
26.9 min
Other means
22.5 min
21.8 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.9%
89.6%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
8.6%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Generally, real estate prices are lower in Memphis compared to Cincinnati. Memphis provides good opportunities for investors looking for rental properties due to its lower property costs and stable rental market. On the other hand, Cincinnati’s property market is hotter with higher price points but also shows potentially good rental yields.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles. In Cincinnati, Hyde Park and Mt. Adams are popular due to their historical charm, restaurants and nightlife. On the other hand, downtown Memphis, with its musical heritage, and Collierville, a suburban favourite, offer unique living experiences.
Houses and residents
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Houses
288,491
160,420
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.1
Median year apartment built
1972
1961
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.2 years
13.7 years
Houses occupied
256,968 (89.1%)
144,929 (90.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,622 (46.6%)
55,411 (38.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
137,346 (53.4%)
89,518 (61.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$760.83
$823.02
Median monthly housing costs
$967
$918
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$201,932
$55,446
Estimated median house or condo value
$142,800
$190,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.8
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$205,904
$271,565
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$236,559
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$145,165
$378,023
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$201,411
$288,600
Median house price - mobile homes
$93,577
$76,176
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$170,154
$269,604
Median house price - All housing units
$204,886
$273,493
Median house age
52
70
Renting percentage
48.1%
61.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,032.8
2,057.5
House value disparities
44.1%
42.9%
Household income disparities
48.2%
51.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,611
$87,346
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,615
$63,683
Housing units without a mortgage
1,461 (2%)
1,063 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,970 (5.4%)
2,466 (6.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
71,386 (98%)
36,710 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
322 (0.4%)
116 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,907 (8.1%)
3,803 (10.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
5.7%
2.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
4.6%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Memphis
Cincinnati
One, detached
61.0%
36.6%
One, attached
5.8%
4.9%
Two
2.1%
7.5%
3 or 4
7.4%
12.0%
5 to 9
9.1%
8.8%
10 to 19
5.6%
10.0%
20 to 49
1.8%
6.7%
50 or more
6.2%
13.2%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,111
6,809
State government workers
7,650
4,546
Unpaid family workers
668
42
Industries and Occupations
Memphis is a hub of transportation and logistics, housing FedEx’s global air hub. Medical services and music tourism also support their economy. Cincinnati is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies like Proctor & Gamble, Kroger, and Macy’s. It’s a hotspot for careers in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
Both cities have strong healthcare sectors. Memphis is home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, one of the leading pediatric treatment and research facilities in the world. Cincinnati also has strong healthcare facilities, with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital regularly ranked among the best in the nation.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Memphis and Cincinnati have experienced urban revitalization over the years. Cincinnati's downtown area has seen significant redevelopment, and the infrastructure includes a mixture of historical landmarks and modern buildings. Memphis also boasts historical sites with new developments being made for economic growth.
Infrastructure
Type
Memphis
Cincinnati
Hospitals
35
46
TV stations
14
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
6
Bank branches located here
160
289
Bank institutions located here
33
35
Main business address for public companies
17
30
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Memphis
Cincinnati
1999
2,195
1,027
2000
2,406
1,294
2001
1,775
1,046
2002
1,444
978
2003
2,116
1,051
2004
3,266
1,275
2005
4,730
1,694
2006
5,833
1,584
2007
3,559
991
2008
1,174
436
2009
345
279
Culture and Food
Culturally, both cities offer rich experiences. Memphis is known for its music history, particularly blues, while Cincinnati has a strong arts scene with numerous museums and galleries. Memphis food is all about barbecue and soul food, while Cincinnati is famed for its unique chili and German-inspired cuisine.
Sports Teams
Both cities are home to professional sports teams. Memphis has the Grizzlies (NBA) and FC Memphis (USL). Cincinnati has the Bengals (NFL), Reds (MLB) and FC Cincinnati (MLS). Sports fans, locals or tourists, will find plenty to enjoy in either city.
Memphis, TN
Cincinnati, OH
Memphis, TN and 
Cincinnati, OH : 409.5 miles
