Phoenix, AZ and Memphis, TN offer distinct lifestyles with unique amenities, cultural attractions, and economic opportunities. Both cities have their own appeal depending on individual preferences for weather conditions, cultural experiences, and career opportunities. This comparative analysis will focus on aspects such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, among others to provide a comprehensive understanding of life in these two cities.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Memphis, TN : 1,263.5 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 159%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Memphis has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) during that time.
When it comes to crime and safety, the two cities differ significantly. Phoenix tends to have a higher crime rate compared to the US median but lower than Memphis, TN. It's recommended for both residents and tourists to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings. Memphis, on the other hand, reports higher crime rates, with crime rates being higher than the national average.
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 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 2,629 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Memphis is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Phoenix than in Memphis.
Cost of Living
Living in Memphis is generally less expensive compared to Phoenix. Housing is cheaper and daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare tend to be lower as well. Meanwhile, Phoenix tends to be pricier with a cost of living that's slightly higher than the national average. However, the higher cost correlates with a higher median household income.
Income Tax
Arizona has a state income tax that ranges from 2.59% to 4.5% while Tennessee does not impose a state income tax on salaries and wages, which can be a major advantage for residents.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Memphis are higher than in Phoenix. In Phoenix, the average property tax rate is 0.802% while in Memphis, it’s 1.69%.
Sales Tax
Arizona's base sales tax rate (5.6%) is higher than Tennessee's (4.55%). However, Memphis has a high local sales tax rate, leading to a combined rate of 9.75%, higher than Phoenix's rate of 8.6%.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$44,317
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$28,571
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
85.5
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $59,181 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is characterized by desert landscapes and warm, dry climate. Memphis, on the other hand, features rolling hills, lush green spaces, and proximity to the Mississippi River.
Both cities offer a range of educational opportunities. Phoenix hosts several universities and colleges including Arizona State University, one of the largest public universities in the U.S. Memphis also has reputable institutions such as the University of Memphis and Rhodes College but lacks the same range of options.
Phoenix boasts a robust economy with opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail. It has a higher employment growth rate than Memphis. Memphis’ economy is more concentrated in trade, transportation, and utilities. Some of the city’s top employers include FedEx and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Biggest Employers
Phoenix's largest employers include Banner Health, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. In Memphis, FedEx, the Shelby County Schools, and the Memphis City Schools are the biggest employers.
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% 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
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
2020
50.2%
64.8%
48.0%
34.2%
1.8%
1.1%
2016
44.9%
62.3%
47.7%
34.7%
7.5%
3.1%
2012
43.6%
62.9%
54.3%
36.7%
2.1%
0.4%
2008
44.0%
63.8%
54.5%
36.2%
1.5%
0.0%
2004
42.4%
57.7%
57.0%
42.0%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
43.0%
56.8%
53.4%
42.3%
3.6%
0.9%
1996
44.5%
78.9%
47.2%
19.6%
8.2%
1.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
6.5%
4.3%
2.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
14.8%
6.5%
15.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.1%
2.0%
0.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.5%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.8%
1.3%
1.8%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.0%
1.5%
0.1%
0.7%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.4%
0.6%
Weather
Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters, which might appeal to those who prefer constant sunshine and low humidity. However, temperatures can rise above 100 degrees in the summer. Memphis, by contrast, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot humid summers and mild to chilly winters. It's a better option for those who appreciate four distinct seasons and can tolerate high humidity.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
61.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
54.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
8.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
19.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
68.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
50%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
8.8 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
Phoenix
Memphis
2018
156
81
0.38
0.24
15.2
10.4
28.5
27.1
34.8
19.0
8.6
8.1
0.6
0.4
2017
120
74
0.41
0.24
15.9
10.2
28.6
28.1
34.9
17.5
7.6
7.9
1.4
0.3
2016
114
76
0.44
0.24
15.8
10.2
27.3
28.8
30.6
19.6
7.7
8.5
0.4
0.9
2015
102
77
0.46
0.26
17.6
11.1
27.1
26.9
26.2
N/A
7.9
9.2
0.9
1.0
2014
117
75
0.46
0.27
19.6
10.1
27.6
26.5
37.0
N/A
8.5
9.9
1.1
1.3
2013
130
74
0.43
0.31
19.9
8.3
27.9
26.6
35.3
N/A
8.4
10.2
0.9
1.0
2012
157
94
0.44
0.32
21.2
9.3
28.1
29.7
41.9
N/A
8.8
10.7
1.3
0.6
2011
203
93
0.47
0.34
20.0
10.0
28.3
29.0
41.3
N/A
9.6
11.1
0.9
0.5
2010
100
95
0.48
0.43
19.9
10.3
26.9
27.9
31.2
N/A
8.3
12.9
0.9
N/A
2009
108
86
0.52
0.35
20.1
8.7
25.6
24.9
38.2
N/A
N/A
11.8
1.8
N/A
2008
106
94
0.48
0.36
21.4
10.3
26.6
26.3
39.6
N/A
N/A
13.2
2.4
N/A
2007
129
106
0.54
0.47
23.5
11.2
25.2
26.7
47.6
N/A
N/A
14.8
2.4
5.6
2006
131
108
0.66
0.43
25.3
13.0
24.4
26.8
50.8
N/A
N/A
14.7
2.3
6.3
2005
109
110
0.74
0.46
25.9
10.1
22.2
26.9
44.6
N/A
N/A
17.9
2.5
4.9
2004
98
98
0.77
0.51
25.5
N/A
23.4
24.9
32.8
N/A
N/A
14.5
1.4
5.9
2003
101
110
0.90
0.57
26.8
20.1
23.7
25.3
42.6
N/A
N/A
15.0
1.4
5.8
2002
111
110
0.98
0.58
28.7
20.4
23.6
25.1
41.8
15.6
N/A
N/A
1.6
4.5
2001
106
111
1.00
0.66
28.6
24.7
22.3
26.0
37.8
22.7
N/A
N/A
1.5
6.1
2000
117
103
1.14
0.63
29.9
25.2
24.6
26.2
45.6
24.9
N/A
N/A
1.7
6.4
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
198.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
474%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
18%
Transportation
Phoenix is car-focused, but also offers light rail and bus transit systems, and an extensive bikeway system. Memphis, on the other hand, relies heavily on cars with limited public transit options.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
52
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Bicycle
0.4%
0%
Bus
1.8%
0.4%
Carpooled
12.2%
7.5%
Car alone
81.8%
88.8%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Average
28.6 min
27 min
Other means
26.4 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
43.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Phoenix real estate tends to be more expensive than in Memphis, reflecting the city's continuing growth and popularity. Memphis offers more affordable options, particularly for those interested in buying a home.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix neighborhoods range from urban downtown areas to family-friendly suburban communities. Memphis, with its southern charm, showcases historical neighborhoods lined with Victorian homes or modern downtown apartments.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Houses
644,625
288,491
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1972
Median year house/condo built
1983
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
16.2 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
256,968 (89.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
119,622 (46.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
137,346 (53.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$760.83
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$967
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$201,932
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$142,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$205,904
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$145,165
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$201,411
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$93,577
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
Over $1,000,000
$39,582
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$170,154
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$204,886
Median house age
36
52
Renting percentage
42.4%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,032.8
House value disparities
30.8%
44.1%
Household income disparities
43.9%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$72,611
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$53,615
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,461 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
3,970 (5.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
71,386 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
322 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
5,907 (8.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
5.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Memphis
One, detached
60.3%
61.0%
One, attached
4.9%
5.8%
Two
1.4%
2.1%
3 or 4
4.4%
7.4%
5 to 9
5.0%
9.1%
10 to 19
5.3%
5.6%
20 to 49
4.1%
1.8%
50 or more
11.3%
6.2%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
16,111
State government workers
30,385
7,650
Unpaid family workers
1,048
668
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix has a diversified economy with top industries including healthcare, education, retail trade, and manufacturing. It hosts numerous tech companies and startups. Memphis heavily leans towards trade, transportation, utilities, education, and health services.
Phoenix is home to renowned healthcare institutions such as Mayo Clinic and Barrow Neurological Institute. Memphis boasts of leading hospitals like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Methodist Hospitals.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix has more modern infrastructure compared to Memphis. This includes a light rail system, a well-maintained international airport, and various highways. Memphis still relies on traditional infrastructure. However, both cities feature ample parks, cultural institutions, and recreational amenities.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Memphis
Hospitals
48
35
TV stations
22
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
263
160
Bank institutions located here
41
33
Main business address for public companies
41
17
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Memphis
1999
5,846
2,195
2000
4,847
2,406
2001
3,823
1,775
2002
3,472
1,444
2003
5,750
2,116
2004
9,848
3,266
2005
15,879
4,730
2006
18,392
5,833
2007
9,797
3,559
2008
3,130
1,174
2009
1,614
345
Culture and Food
Phoenix offers diverse cultural attractions with a vibrant arts scene, museums, and food reflecting the city’s diverse population. Memphis is celebrated for its rich music history, Southern hospitality, and authentic BBQ.
Sports Teams
Phoenix is home to teams from all four major professional sports leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Memphis has the Grizzlies in the NBA and the Redbirds in the AAA baseball league.
Phoenix, AZ
Memphis, TN
Phoenix, AZ and 
Memphis, TN : 1,263.5 miles
