If you're considering relocating or just visiting Memphis or Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee, both cities offer unique experiences. Despite located in the same state, they exhibit different aspects in terms of crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, and economy, etc. In general, Memphis is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and lower cost of living while Nashville-Davidson draws attention with its vibrant music scene and rapidly growing economy. Let's explore the differences in more depth.
Distance between
Memphis, TN and
Nashville-Davidson, TN : 193.9 miles
Nashville-Davidson's population is larger by 8%. Its population has grown by 133,327 people (24.4%) since 2000. The population of Memphis has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) during that time.
Generally speaking, both Memphis and Nashville-Davidson have higher crime rates compared to the national average. However, it should be noted that crime is heavily localized, so certain neighborhoods in both cities can be safer than others. Memphis consistently ranks higher in crime compared to Nashville-Davidson, both in violent and property crimes. Tourists and residents alike should exercise caution in both cities, especially during nighttime.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is one area where the cities significantly differ. Memphis is more affordable, with the cost of living being lower than the U.S. average. Housing, in particular, is significantly cheaper in Memphis. On the other hand, Nashville-Davidson's cost of living is higher than the national average, driven largely by the housing market.
Income Tax
Tennessee is one of the states without a broad-based personal income tax, so residents of Memphis and Nashville-Davidson would not face city or state income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in both cities vary, with Memphis generally having a higher property tax rate than Nashville-Davidson. This difference might be offset by the fact that housing prices are generally lower in Memphis.
Sales Tax
Tennessee has one of the highest sales tax rates in the nation, with both Memphis and Nashville-Davidson sharing the same state sales tax rate of 7%. Local sales tax differs, with Nashville-Davidson having a slightly higher rate.
Income
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Estimated median household income
$44,317
$64,857
Estimated per capita income
$28,571
$42,268
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.5
90.9
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $53,158 in Nashville-Davidson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Memphis is located on the Mississippi River and has a flatter topography. Nashville-Davidson, in contrast, is located in central Tennessee and has more hilly terrain.
Nashville-Davidson is home to Vanderbilt University, one of the top universities in the nation, and several other institutions, offering quality education. Memphis, meanwhile, hosts the University of Memphis and other notable schools. Both cities have a range of public and private schools for K-12 education, but Nashville-Davidson ranks slightly higher in educational attainment.
Nashville-Davidson's economy is on the rise, with robust healthcare, education, and music industries. Unemployment rates are generally lower than in Memphis. Memphis, however, is a significant commercial and transportation hub, with FedEx as one of the largest employers. The economy of Memphis is more diversified, including sectors like transportation, healthcare, and services.
Biggest Employers
In Memphis, some of the biggest employers include FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone. In Nashville-Davidson, major employers include Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nissan North America, and HCA Healthcare.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Nashville-Davidson (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
2020
64.8%
65.0%
34.2%
32.6%
1.1%
2.3%
2016
62.3%
60.1%
34.7%
34.1%
3.1%
5.7%
2012
62.9%
58.5%
36.7%
39.9%
0.4%
1.6%
2008
63.8%
60.0%
36.2%
39.0%
0.0%
1.0%
2004
57.7%
54.9%
42.0%
44.6%
0.3%
0.4%
2000
56.8%
57.9%
42.3%
40.4%
0.9%
1.7%
1996
78.9%
79.3%
19.6%
18.1%
1.5%
2.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.8%
14.1%
15.1%
19.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
6.5%
4.9%
2.7%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1.5%
0.0%
0.7%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
1.5%
1.8%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.8%
0.8%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.0%
0.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.8%
0.6%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
0.9%
1.7%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
1.3%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
0.0%
1.0%
0.1%
0.5%
Weather
Weather in both Memphis and Nashville-Davidson is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. Memphis tends to be a little warmer, but the difference is minimal. Both cities receive ample rainfall throughout the year and can experience severe weather, including tornadoes.
Weather and climate
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Temperature - Average
61.9°F
58.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
54.3 in
49 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
8.6 in
17.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.7%
17.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
68.7%
59.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
23%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
42%
Wind speed - Average
8.8 mph
7.7 mph
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Average climate in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
2018
81
71
0.24
0.40
10.4
13.8
27.1
24.1
N/A
N/A
19.0
15.2
8.1
9.2
0.4
0.2
2017
74
70
0.24
0.38
10.2
14.4
28.1
26.8
N/A
N/A
17.5
15.3
7.9
8.7
0.3
0.1
2016
76
90
0.24
0.42
10.2
16.1
28.8
26.4
N/A
N/A
19.6
N/A
8.5
10.1
0.9
0.0
2015
77
68
0.26
0.43
11.1
15.5
26.9
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
10.8
1.0
0.1
2014
75
66
0.27
N/A
10.1
N/A
26.5
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
9.8
1.3
1.4
2013
74
62
0.31
N/A
8.3
N/A
26.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
9.7
1.0
N/A
2012
94
81
0.32
N/A
9.3
N/A
29.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
11.0
0.6
2.3
2011
93
81
0.34
N/A
10.0
N/A
29.0
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
11.0
0.5
1.7
2010
95
80
0.43
N/A
10.3
N/A
27.9
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.9
12.2
N/A
2.2
2009
86
72
0.35
N/A
8.7
N/A
24.9
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.8
11.5
N/A
2.4
2008
94
81
0.36
N/A
10.3
N/A
26.3
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
13.4
N/A
2.5
2007
106
99
0.47
N/A
11.2
N/A
26.7
27.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
15.5
5.6
2.7
2006
108
93
0.43
0.69
13.0
N/A
26.8
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.7
14.9
6.3
2.9
2005
110
104
0.46
0.56
10.1
N/A
26.9
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.9
16.9
4.9
3.1
2004
98
83
0.51
0.61
N/A
N/A
24.9
22.0
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
5.9
2.6
2003
110
93
0.57
0.67
20.1
N/A
25.3
18.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.0
15.8
5.8
3.8
2002
110
92
0.58
0.67
20.4
N/A
25.1
20.2
N/A
N/A
15.6
N/A
N/A
15.3
4.5
4.3
2001
111
95
0.66
0.89
24.7
N/A
26.0
19.5
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
15.6
6.1
4.5
2000
103
97
0.63
0.74
25.2
N/A
26.2
19.8
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.4
4.1
Natural disasters
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
198.6%
169.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
474%
296.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
17%
Transportation
Transportation in both cities primarily relies on cars, with Nashville-Davidson having a slightly higher dependence due to its larger geographical size. Both cities have public transportation systems, but services are more comprehensive in Nashville-Davidson. For commuting, Nashville-Davidson has more traffic congestion than Memphis.
Transport
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
52
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Bicycle
0%
0.3%
Bus
0.4%
1.2%
Carpooled
7.5%
9.8%
Car alone
88.8%
85.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.2%
1.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Average
27 min
31.3 min
Other means
22.5 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.9%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Nashville-Davidson is more expensive than in Memphis. This is due to increased demand and growth in the city. Memphis real estate, though not as pricey, has been stable and presents good value for money, making it a potentially good place for investment.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have diverse neighborhoods each with unique characters. In Memphis, Downtown and East Memphis are popular for their historical attractions and nightlife, respectively. Nashville-Davidson's East Nashville and The Gulch are known for their hip vibe and affluent living.
Houses and residents
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
Houses
288,491
331,262
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1972
1986
Median year house/condo built
1967
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.2 years
12.2 years
Houses occupied
256,968 (89.1%)
305,247 (92.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,622 (46.6%)
162,426 (53.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
137,346 (53.4%)
142,821 (46.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$760.83
$1,391
Median monthly housing costs
$967
$1,291
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$201,932
$221,129
Estimated median house or condo value
$142,800
$346,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.8
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$205,904
$437,686
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$320,904
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$145,165
$319,119
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$201,411
$305,249
Median house price - mobile homes
$93,577
$133,346
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$170,154
$328,258
Median house price - All housing units
$204,886
$412,434
Median house age
52
35
Renting percentage
48.1%
44.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,032.8
699.9
House value disparities
44.1%
31%
Household income disparities
48.2%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,611
$93,092
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,615
$68,871
Housing units without a mortgage
1,461 (2%)
3,189 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,970 (5.4%)
10,988 (9.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
71,386 (98%)
110,850 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
322 (0.4%)
333 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,907 (8.1%)
13,192 (11.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
5.7%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
4.6%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
One, detached
61.0%
50.9%
One, attached
5.8%
8.4%
Two
2.1%
3.3%
3 or 4
7.4%
3.1%
5 to 9
9.1%
7.1%
10 to 19
5.6%
8.7%
20 to 49
1.8%
5.3%
50 or more
6.2%
11.9%
Mobile homes
0.8%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,111
31,952
State government workers
7,650
15,693
Unpaid family workers
668
463
Industries and Occupations
Memphis hosts several Fortune 500 companies, including International Paper, FedEx and Autozone. The city's top employment sectors are transportation and warehousing, healthcare, and hospitality. Nashville, on the other hand, is known as the "Music City" and thus, unsurprisingly, music plays a significant role in its economy. Healthcare, education, and public administration sectors are also large contributors to Nashville's economy.
Both cities have numerous healthcare facilities. Nashville-Davidson is known as the "Healthcare Capital" with numerous hospitals and research institutions. Memphis, on the other hand, is home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a leading institution in pediatric treatment and research.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Nashville-Davidson boasts superior infrastructure thanks to its ongoing economic growth. Memphis, though, is not far behind, with impressive developments particularly in the downtown area. Both cities offer a variety of parks, museums, and attractions.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Memphis
Nashville-Davidson
1999
2,195
2,397
2000
2,406
1,451
2001
1,775
1,130
2002
1,444
1,075
2003
2,116
2,231
2004
3,266
2,731
2005
4,730
3,231
2006
5,833
3,720
2007
3,559
2,419
2008
1,174
952
2009
345
532
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Memphis is famous for its blues and soul music, as well as BBQ and soul food. Nashville-Davidson, known as "Music City," is the home of country music and offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, from hot chicken to upscale dining.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, Nashville-Davidson is home to the Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), and Nashville SC (MLS). Memphis has the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis 901 FC (USLC).
Memphis, TN and 
Nashville-Davidson, TN : 193.9 miles
Memphis, TN and 
Nashville-Davidson, TN : 193.9 miles
