Memphis, Tennessee and Miami, Florida, are two culturally rich and diverse cities with unique appeals. Both cities have their own set of unique advantages and challenges when it comes to crime and safety, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries, employment, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, tax systems, sports, geographical conditions, health care, and culinary scenes. While Memphis is known for its soulful music, barbecue, and civic pride, Miami offers bright beaches, vibrant nightlife, and multicultural influences.
Distance between
Memphis, TN and
Miami, FL : 866.5 miles
Memphis's population is larger by 43%. Its population has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) since 2000. The population of Miami has grown by 77,420 people (21.4%) during that time.
Both Memphis and Miami experience higher than national average crime rates. Memphis often ranks as one of the U.S. cities with the highest crime rates, especially violent crime. Miami's crime rates are somewhat lower, but property crime is a particular concern. Safety measures, such as avoiding certain areas after dark and investing in home security systems, may be necessary.
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 2,628 registered sex offenders living in Memphis and 1,381 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Memphis is 248 to 1; the ratio in Miami is 328 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Memphis than in Miami.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is significantly higher in Miami than in Memphis. Housing tends to be especially expensive in Miami, while Memphis has some of the most affordable housing in the U.S. Overall, Memphis is considered to be more budget-friendly.
Income Tax
Tennessee has no state income tax which benefits Memphis residents. Florida also has no state income tax, which is a significant draw for many people to Miami.
Property Tax
Property taxes can be quite high in both cities, though they're generally higher in Miami due to the more expensive real estate.
Sales Tax
Tennessee has a high sales tax rate, including local tax rates in Memphis. Florida has a lower state sales tax rate, and Miami's local sales taxes are generally lower as well.
Income
Type
Memphis
Miami
Estimated median household income
$44,317
$48,789
Estimated per capita income
$28,571
$37,223
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.5
110.1
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $64,386 in Miami to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Miami is located on the southeastern tip of Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to the Everglades. Memphis is located along the Mississippi River and is known for its green spaces like the Shelby Farms Park.
Both cities have a mix of public and private schools, with some notable higher education institutions. Miami boasts institutions like the University of Miami, while Memphis is home to the University of Memphis and Rhodes College.
Miami's economy is diverse, dominated by sectors such as international trade, tourism, finance, and healthcare. Memphis, known as America’s distribution hub, has a thriving logistics industry and is strong in healthcare and music industries.
Biggest Employers
In Memphis, FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone are some of the largest employers. Miami's top employers include Baptist Health South Florida, University of Miami, and American Airlines.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Miami (Miami-Dade County), 61.8% voted for Democrats and 38.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
2020
64.8%
53.5%
34.2%
46.2%
1.1%
0.3%
2016
62.3%
63.4%
34.7%
33.9%
3.1%
2.7%
2012
62.9%
61.8%
36.7%
38.0%
0.4%
0.3%
2008
63.8%
58.1%
36.2%
41.9%
0.0%
0.0%
2004
57.7%
53.0%
42.0%
46.7%
0.3%
0.3%
2000
56.8%
52.7%
42.3%
46.4%
0.9%
0.9%
1996
78.9%
57.3%
19.6%
37.9%
1.5%
4.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.8%
3.2%
15.1%
21.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
6.5%
21.8%
2.7%
4.5%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1.5%
0.0%
0.7%
0.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
1.8%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.9%
0.8%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.0%
0.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.1%
0.6%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
0.9%
4.3%
Weather
The weather in Miami is tropical with hot and humid summers and warm and dry winters. Memphis, on the other hand, has a humid subtropical climate featuring hot, humid summers and mild to chilly winters. Tornadoes can occur in Memphis, while Miami regularly faces hurricane threats.
Weather and climate
Type
Memphis
Miami
Temperature - Average
61.9°F
77.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
77.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
54.3 in
60 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
8.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.7%
12.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
68.7%
76.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
63%
Wind speed - Average
8.8 mph
9.1 mph
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Average climate in Miami, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
Memphis
Miami
2018
81
72
0.24
0.24
10.4
2.7
27.1
31.8
19.0
15.5
8.1
8.6
0.4
0.3
2017
74
80
0.24
0.27
10.2
3.0
28.1
30.9
17.5
N/A
7.9
8.5
0.3
0.4
2016
76
68
0.24
0.30
10.2
2.9
28.8
32.6
19.6
N/A
8.5
7.2
0.9
0.0
2015
77
62
0.26
0.23
11.1
2.4
26.9
29.0
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.2
1.0
0.0
2014
75
71
0.27
0.21
10.1
3.8
26.5
30.7
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.0
1.3
0.0
2013
74
64
0.31
0.22
8.3
3.1
26.6
30.8
N/A
N/A
10.2
7.9
1.0
0.0
2012
94
71
0.32
0.19
9.3
2.9
29.7
32.1
N/A
N/A
10.7
8.7
0.6
0.0
2011
93
72
0.34
0.16
10.0
3.0
29.0
32.3
N/A
N/A
11.1
8.7
0.5
0.0
2010
95
77
0.43
0.31
10.3
4.2
27.9
32.3
N/A
N/A
12.9
9.1
N/A
0.0
2009
86
67
0.35
0.53
8.7
3.3
24.9
31.9
N/A
N/A
11.8
9.1
N/A
0.0
2008
94
95
0.36
0.55
10.3
3.8
26.3
31.0
N/A
18.0
13.2
10.5
N/A
0.0
2007
106
94
0.47
0.59
11.2
5.0
26.7
33.5
N/A
21.9
14.8
10.5
5.6
0.0
2006
108
87
0.43
0.48
13.0
5.8
26.8
34.6
N/A
22.3
14.7
10.2
6.3
0.0
2005
110
75
0.46
0.55
10.1
6.0
26.9
31.8
N/A
18.8
17.9
8.7
4.9
0.0
2004
98
69
0.51
1.02
N/A
5.9
24.9
31.3
N/A
19.5
14.5
8.5
5.9
0.3
2003
110
70
0.57
0.99
20.1
6.5
25.3
29.5
N/A
N/A
15.0
8.4
5.8
0.4
2002
110
75
0.58
0.71
20.4
6.3
25.1
30.2
15.6
N/A
N/A
8.4
4.5
2.1
2001
111
84
0.66
0.80
24.7
5.9
26.0
30.2
22.7
N/A
N/A
9.1
6.1
1.5
2000
103
66
0.63
0.89
25.2
6.7
26.2
31.1
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.4
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Memphis
Miami
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
198.6%
63%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
474%
1.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
10%
Transportation
Miami has a developed public transit system, including the Metrorail, Metrobus, and trolleys, whereas Memphis's public transit is more limited and car-centric.
Transport
Type
Memphis
Miami
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
52
159
Means of transportation to work
Type
Memphis
Miami
Bicycle
0%
0.8%
Bus
0.4%
3.8%
Carpooled
7.5%
8.5%
Car alone
88.8%
81.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.5%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.2%
2.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Memphis
Miami
Average
27 min
33.7 min
Other means
22.5 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
48.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Memphis
Miami
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.9%
89%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Miami's real estate market is much more expensive, driven up by high demand and limited waterfront properties. Memphis offers affordable real estate, allowing more residents to own their homes.
Neighborhoods
Miami neighborhoods like Brickell and Coconut Grove cater to the high-end lifestyle, while Little Havana reflects the city's rich Cuban culture. Memphis has diverse neighborhoods like Beale Street for nightlife or East Memphis for suburban living.
Houses and residents
Type
Memphis
Miami
Houses
288,491
219,775
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1972
1981
Median year house/condo built
1967
1968
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.2 years
13.8 years
Houses occupied
256,968 (89.1%)
192,219 (87.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,622 (46.6%)
58,463 (30.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
137,346 (53.4%)
133,756 (69.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$760.83
$2,006
Median monthly housing costs
$967
$1,456
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$201,932
$1,201,540
Estimated median house or condo value
$142,800
$411,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.8
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
5
Median house price - detached houses
$205,904
$499,839
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$427,603
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$145,165
$107,725
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$201,411
$570,126
Median house price - mobile homes
$93,577
$238,353
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$170,154
$768,446
Median house price - All housing units
$204,886
$550,392
Median house age
52
43
Renting percentage
48.1%
67.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,032.8
6,160.8
House value disparities
44.1%
31.5%
Household income disparities
48.2%
51.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,611
$92,897
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,615
$52,201
Housing units without a mortgage
1,461 (2%)
686 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,970 (5.4%)
1,692 (5.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
71,386 (98%)
32,656 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
322 (0.4%)
36 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,907 (8.1%)
2,892 (8.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
5.7%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
4.6%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Memphis
Miami
One, detached
61.0%
22.6%
One, attached
5.8%
9.7%
Two
2.1%
3.3%
3 or 4
7.4%
4.0%
5 to 9
9.1%
5.8%
10 to 19
5.6%
6.9%
20 to 49
1.8%
8.3%
50 or more
6.2%
39.2%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.2%
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
26,340
State government workers
7,650
3,509
Unpaid family workers
668
695
Industries and Occupations
Logistics, healthcare, and music industries dominate in Memphis, while international trade, healthcare, finance, and media are key industries in Miami. Both cities offer a range of job opportunities.
Both cities provide good healthcare options. Miami has numerous top-rated hospitals, thanks to its proliferation of healthcare institutions. Memphis is known for its pediatrics and oncology through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Memphis
Miami
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Miami has generally well-maintained infrastructure, including recent developments in sustainable buildings. Conversely, Memphis has relatively older infrastructure, but is seeing improvements in downtown and residential areas.
Infrastructure
Type
Memphis
Miami
Hospitals
35
47
TV stations
14
26
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
160
346
Bank institutions located here
33
53
Main business address for public companies
17
29
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
9
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Memphis
Miami
1999
2,195
0
2000
2,406
1,368
2001
1,775
1,354
2002
1,444
1,274
2003
2,116
1,618
2004
3,266
2,862
2005
4,730
4,991
2006
5,833
7,400
2007
3,559
5,318
2008
1,174
3,212
2009
345
888
Culture and Food
Memphis offers rich cultural experiences in music, specifically blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll, and renowned for its barbeque cuisine. Meanwhile, Miami is a melting pot of cultures, noted for its Latin and Caribbean influences and a thriving arts scene.
Sports Teams
Memphis is home to the NBA’s Grizzlies and the Redbirds baseball team. Miami has more major sports teams, hosting the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Marlins (MLB), and Inter Miami CF (MLS).
Memphis, TN
Miami, FL
Memphis, TN and 
Miami, FL : 866.5 miles
