Memphis, Tennessee, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, offer two distinctively different lifestyles. These cities have unique aspects regarding their economy, education, healthcare, and culture that would be appealing to different individuals. While Memphis is a blues city boasting a unique cultural heritage, Virginia Beach is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches.
Distance between
Memphis, TN and
Virginia Beach, VA : 784.6 miles
Memphis's population is larger by 37%. Its population has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) since 2000. The population of Virginia Beach has grown by 32,415 people (7.6%) during that time.
When it comes to crime and safety, Virginia Beach ranks safer as compared to Memphis. Virginia Beach is often ranked among the safest cities of its size in the nation. While Memphis has relatively high crime rates, the city is working on improving safety measures. Additionally, crime rates can vary depending on the neighborhood.
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 706 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Memphis is 248 to 1; the ratio in Virginia Beach is 641 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Memphis than that in Virginia Beach.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Virginia Beach is slightly higher than Memphis. However, expenses like housing and groceries tend to be cheaper in Memphis whereas healthcare and utilities are lower in Virginia Beach. While the median home price in Virginia Beach is approximately $300,000, it's about $100,000 in Memphis, making it an affordable option for home buyers.
Income Tax
Virginia Beach residents are subject to both state and city income tax. Comparatively, Tennessee currently imposes no income tax on salaried income or wages, which is a huge potential money-saving factor for those considering relocating to Memphis.
Property Tax
Property tax varies within each state and city. Virginia Beach has a lower property tax rate currently sitting at around 0.93%, whereas the rate in Memphis is higher, hovering around 1.73%.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Memphis is higher at 9.75%, consisting of the Tennessee state tax and the city tax compared to Virginia Beach's sales tax rate of 6% which is inclusive of the Virginia state tax and city tax.
Income
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Estimated median household income
$44,317
$81,634
Estimated per capita income
$28,571
$42,498
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.5
97
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $56,725 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Memphis is located in the southwestern corner of Tennessee, along the Mississippi River. Memphis is known for its green spaces like Shelby Farms and Overton Park. Virginia Beach is located on the southeastern coast of Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, making it a prime location for water-related activities.
Memphis boasts several universities and colleges, like the University of Memphis, along with an array of public and private schools. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, is part of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools district, known for the quality of its education system, and also houses numerous higher education institutions.
The Memphis economy is diversified with sectors such as transportation, trade, education, and healthcare playing a vital role. On the other hand, Virginia Beach's economy capitalizes on its coastal location, with tourism, defense, and agribusiness being the main economic drivers. Both cities have seen steady economic growth over the past few years.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Memphis include FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. In Virginia Beach, the major employers include Naval Air Station Oceana, the school system, and the city government.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach city), 48.1% voted for Democrats and 50.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Memphis
Virginia Beach
2020
64.8%
51.6%
34.2%
46.2%
1.1%
2.2%
2016
62.3%
44.8%
34.7%
48.4%
3.1%
6.8%
2012
62.9%
48.1%
36.7%
50.7%
0.4%
1.2%
2008
63.8%
49.3%
36.2%
50.1%
0.0%
0.6%
2004
57.7%
40.4%
42.0%
59.3%
0.3%
0.4%
2000
56.8%
41.8%
42.3%
56.1%
0.9%
2.1%
1996
78.9%
41.4%
19.6%
50.6%
1.5%
8.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Memphis
Virginia Beach
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.8%
4.9%
15.1%
13.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
6.5%
10.7%
2.7%
4.2%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1.5%
0.3%
0.7%
0.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
1.4%
1.8%
4.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.8%
0.8%
0.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.0%
0.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
0.6%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
0.9%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.4%
0.6%
0.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
0.4%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.1%
Weather
Weather wise, Memphis is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to chilly winters while Virginia Beach has a more moderate climate due to its coastal location, with milder summers and slightly cooler winters. Virginia Beach also experiences annual occurrences of hurricanes and coastal storms.
Weather and climate
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Temperature - Average
61.9°F
59.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
73%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
54.3 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
8.6 in
15.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.7%
17.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
68.7%
66.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
53%
Wind speed - Average
8.8 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Average climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Memphis
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Memphis
Virginia Beach
2018
81
57
0.24
0.27
10.4
6.3
27.1
31.3
0.002
N/A
19.0
N/A
8.1
6.1
0.4
0.4
2017
74
60
0.24
0.22
10.2
6.8
28.1
33.2
0.002
N/A
17.5
N/A
7.9
6.9
0.3
0.3
2016
76
66
0.24
0.21
10.2
6.5
28.8
31.7
0.002
N/A
19.6
N/A
8.5
6.1
0.9
0.4
2015
77
57
0.26
0.27
11.1
7.3
26.9
33.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
6.4
1.0
0.5
2014
75
59
0.27
0.27
10.1
7.5
26.5
33.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
6.8
1.3
1.1
2013
74
66
0.31
0.28
8.3
7.1
26.6
31.2
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
6.8
1.0
1.1
2012
94
76
0.32
0.29
9.3
7.8
29.7
34.6
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
8.1
0.6
1.1
2011
93
66
0.34
0.27
10.0
9.2
29.0
35.1
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
8.8
0.5
1.7
2010
95
71
0.43
0.25
10.3
4.8
27.9
38.4
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.9
N/A
N/A
2.2
2009
86
51
0.35
0.25
8.7
9.7
24.9
31.5
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.8
N/A
N/A
2.6
2008
94
77
0.36
0.23
10.3
10.3
26.3
36.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
N/A
N/A
3.3
2007
106
81
0.47
0.18
11.2
12.2
26.7
36.3
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
N/A
5.6
4.3
2006
108
62
0.43
0.32
13.0
N/A
26.8
36.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.7
N/A
6.3
3.4
2005
110
67
0.46
0.28
10.1
N/A
26.9
35.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.9
N/A
4.9
3.4
2004
98
80
0.51
0.30
N/A
15.9
24.9
33.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
5.9
4.3
2003
110
84
0.57
0.34
20.1
16.2
25.3
34.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.0
N/A
5.8
3.9
2002
110
99
0.58
0.40
20.4
17.8
25.1
38.0
N/A
N/A
15.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
5.9
2001
111
92
0.66
0.42
24.7
18.2
26.0
36.3
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.1
6.0
2000
103
85
0.63
0.44
25.2
15.7
26.2
36.5
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.4
6.5
Natural disasters
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
198.6%
61.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
474%
35.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
0%
Transportation
Memphis benefits from an extensive road network and public transit options like buses, trolleys, and bike shares. Virginia Beach's public transit consists of buses, trolleys along the oceanfront, and ride-shares. Both cities are very car-dependent but are investing in becoming more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
Transport
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
374
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
52
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Bicycle
0%
0.2%
Bus
0.4%
1%
Carpooled
7.5%
9.5%
Car alone
88.8%
84.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.2%
3.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Average
27 min
24.8 min
Other means
22.5 min
23.7 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
41.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.9%
90.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more affordable in Memphis, where the median home value is around $100,000. On the other hand, the median home value in Virginia Beach is around $300,000. Both cities offer a range of housing options from apartments to large beachfront properties in Virginia Beach and historic homes in Memphis.
Neighborhoods
Memphis is known for its diverse neighborhoods such as Downtown, Midtown, and Cooper-Young, known for their cultural vibrancy. Virginia Beach neighborhoods vary from beachfront communities such as The North End and Chic's Beach to urban centers like Town Center and Pembroke.
Houses and residents
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Houses
288,491
190,981
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1972
1988
Median year house/condo built
1967
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.2 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
256,968 (89.1%)
182,775 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,622 (46.6%)
119,144 (65.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
137,346 (53.4%)
63,631 (34.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$760.83
$1,833
Median monthly housing costs
$967
$1,490
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$201,932
$508,833
Estimated median house or condo value
$142,800
$328,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.8
4.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
7
Median house price - detached houses
$205,904
$459,164
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$200,674
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$145,165
$279,464
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$201,411
$229,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$93,577
$143,239
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$39,582
$85,917
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$170,154
$261,878
Median house price - All housing units
$204,886
$401,957
Median house age
52
36
Renting percentage
48.1%
34.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,032.8
769.2
House value disparities
44.1%
29%
Household income disparities
48.2%
40.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,611
$104,941
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,615
$82,507
Housing units without a mortgage
1,461 (2%)
2,373 (2.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,970 (5.4%)
9,070 (10%)
Housing units with a mortgage
71,386 (98%)
88,748 (97.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
322 (0.4%)
287 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,907 (8.1%)
10,952 (12%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
5.7%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
4.6%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Memphis
Virginia Beach
One, detached
61.0%
53.2%
One, attached
5.8%
18.3%
Two
2.1%
1.7%
3 or 4
7.4%
4.6%
5 to 9
9.1%
9.0%
10 to 19
5.6%
4.5%
20 to 49
1.8%
2.1%
50 or more
6.2%
5.4%
Mobile homes
0.8%
1.1%
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
9,992
State government workers
7,650
6,577
Unpaid family workers
668
251
Industries and Occupations
Memphis is known as America's Distribution Center, with strong transportation and logistics sectors due to its central location. Healthcare, education, and manufacturing are also popular industries. In Virginia Beach, the top industries include tourism, defense, and agriculture.
Both Memphis and Virginia Beach are well served by healthcare facilities. Memphis houses the prestigious St. Jude's Children's Hospital along with a number of other healthcare providers. Virginia Beach is part of the larger Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metropolitan area which has many hospitals and clinics.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Memphis boasts an extensive road and rail network, and is home to the Memphis International Airport, FedEx's global air hub. Virginia Beach’s infrastructure includes an extensive network of highways and The Norfolk International Airport, which serves the region.
Infrastructure
Type
Memphis
Virginia Beach
Hospitals
35
7
TV stations
14
24
Bank branches located here
160
96
Bank institutions located here
33
16
Main business address for public companies
17
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Memphis
Virginia Beach
1999
2,195
0
2000
2,406
0
2001
1,775
0
2002
1,444
0
2003
2,116
941
2004
3,266
1,388
2005
4,730
1,545
2006
5,833
1,502
2007
3,559
1,073
2008
1,174
340
2009
345
167
Culture and Food
Memphis boasts a rich musical history with its blues and soul music, Beale Street, and the famous Graceland, home of Elvis Presley. Memphis barbeque is world-renowned. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, is a resort city teeming with seafood restaurants serving local catch like blue crabs and oysters, thanks to its coastal location.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Memphis offers teams like the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Redbirds (AAA Baseball). Virginia Beach does not house any major professional sports teams, but residents can attend minor league games and major league games are a short drive away in nearby cities.
Memphis, TN
Virginia Beach, VA
Memphis, TN and 
Virginia Beach, VA : 784.6 miles
