You might consider settling in place a Home for sale in Memphis, TNor moving to another Homes in Nashville, TNas these two Tennessee cities share a love of music, rich history, and vibrant culture. Memphis offers a luxurious lifestyle with affordable housing, while Nashville is known for its thriving job market and exciting entertainment scene. Whether you’re drawn to the blues on Beale Street or the country music venues on Broadway, choosing the right city to call home is an important decision.
From housing costs and job opportunities to culture and lifestyle, there’s a lot to compare. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the key differences to help you decide if Memphis or Nashville is right for your next move.
Places to stay in Memphis vs Nashville
Memphis and Nashville offer unique real estate markets that reflect their unique lifestyles and opportunities. Let’s explore the main differences in housing costs, location, and living options.
Homes in Memphis
The Memphis real estate market is known for its affordability, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers. From historic homes to Midtown for some modern options in the suburbs neighbors like GermantownMemphis offers a range of options.
Places to stay in Nashville
Nashville’s booming economy and rapid growth have made its housing market competitive. The city offers everything from luxury condos to interiors The city of Nashville in beautiful single family homes Places to stay in Nashville like East Nashville again Green Hills.
Cost of living in Memphis vs Nashville
Total cost of living in Memphis it’s about 10% less than in Nashville, making it an affordable option for those looking for a budget-friendly lifestyle. The biggest difference is seen in the cost of housing, groceries, and lifestyle.
1. Resources
Services in Memphis are about 20% less expensive than in Nashville. Memphis benefits from a mild climate and low infrastructure costs, which help keep energy costs low. In contrast, Nashville’s rapid growth and high energy demand contribute to slightly higher utility costs.
2. Groceries
Grocery in Memphis is almost identical to Nashville. Memphis’ proximity to agricultural regions helps keep food prices competitive, while Nashville’s growing population and growing demand for goods have little impact on grocery costs.
3. Transportation
Transportation costs are 2% higher in Nashville compared to Memphis. Nashville’s traffic congestion and reliance on public transportation increase commuting costs, while Memphis’ small size and car-friendly layout help keep commuting costs manageable.
4. Health care
Healthcare in Memphis is about 9% more affordable than in Nashville. Memphis’ lower facility costs and reduced need for specialty services contribute to its budget-friendly health care programs, while Nashville’s growing population increases health care costs.
5. Lifestyle
The cost of living in Memphis is 6% lower than in Nashville. Memphis offers affordable options for dining, entertainment, and cultural activities, while Nashville’s music and art scenes come with higher costs.
Memphis vs Nashville in size and population
Memphis and Nashville, the two largest cities in Tennessee, are very different in size and population. Memphis covers approximately 317 square miles of surrounding population 633,000offering an open and free urban environment. Nashville, by contrast, covers 475 square miles and has a higher population 690,000it creates less dense and faster moving air. Memphis’ larger footprint provides room for more residential areas and open spaces, while Nashville’s compact yet growing architecture reflects its economic and cultural development.
Memphis vs Nashville weather and weather
Memphis weather again Nashville weather both have a hot tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Memphis tends to be slightly warmer year-round due to its southern location, with summer temperatures often reaching the high 90s. Nashville, while still warm, enjoys cool summers and autumns. Both cities experience severe weather from time to time, with Memphis prone to thunder and storms, while Nashville’s weather is more stable.
Memphis vs Nashville job market
Memphis: Logistics and healthcare hub
Memphis’ economy is focused on transportation, logistics, and health care, with major employers such as FedEx, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and International Paper to drive career growth. The city’s strategic location along the Mississippi River makes it a transportation hub, offering opportunities in distribution and procurement management. Memphis has a household income of approx $51,000at an hourly wage rate $26.91which provides strong profit opportunities in its core industries.
Nashville: The rise of music and technology
Nashville’s job market is booming, led by the music, healthcare and technology industries. Major healthcare providers like HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt University Medical Center are top employers, while the city’s tech scene continues to grow with startups and established companies alike. The median household income in Nashville is here $80,000at an hourly wage rate $29.59indicating its increasing possibilities. Nashville’s strong job market attracts professionals in the creative and corporate sectors.
Transportation in Memphis vs Nashville
Memphis: Car-dependent with some transportation options
Memphis’ transportation system relies heavily on personal vehicles, with limited public transportation options provided by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). Although cycling is becoming more popular, the city’s infrastructure is still working.
Nashville: Expanding travel options
Nashville’s transportation is also car-centric, but recent efforts to expand public transit, such as WeGo Public Transit, have improved connectivity. The city is fairly accessible to central areas such as Downtown and The Gulch.
Memphis vs Nashville walk and walk out
Both Memphis and Nashville serve as major transportation hubs in Tennessee, offering strong regional and national travel options.
- Memphis: Memphis International Airport, Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route, Greyhound and Megabus services, and easy access to the Mississippi River for transportation and entertainment.
- Nashville: Nashville Airport, Amtrak connecting to nearby cities, Greyhound and Megabus buses, and a growing regional and national transportation infrastructure.
Memphis vs Nashville lifestyle and things to do
A day in the life of a Memphian
Memphis life is steeped in history and culture, with a laid-back vibe that surrounds its music and food scenes. Start your day with coffee at a cozy Midtown cafe before visiting historic sites like National Civil Rights Museum. A night of blues music on Beale Street or sampling Memphis’ famous barbecue at local joints. Outdoor lovers can enjoy a walk along the Mississippi River at Tom Lee Park or explore Shelby Farms Park for a dose of nature.
Things to do in Memphis
Google Street View of Graceland
Memphis parks and outdoor activities:
Google Street View of Tom Lee Park
More places to stay in Memphis:
- Graceland
- Sun Studio
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Memphis Botanic Garden
- Bass Pro Shops in the Pyramid
A day in the life of a Nashvillian
Nashville’s vibrant music scene and neighborhoods create a lively daily rhythm. Start with brunch in trendy East Nashville, then explore iconic landmarks like Country Music Hall of Fame. Nights may include live music at Ryman Auditorium or one of the city’s many honky-tonks. Outdoor enthusiasts can go kayaking on the Cumberland River or take a walk through Centennial Park.
Things to do in Nashville:
Google Street View of Belle Meade Plantation
Nashville parks and outdoor activities:
Google Street View of Percy Warner Park
More places to stay in Nashville:
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- Ryman Auditorium
- The Parthenon Replica in Centennial Park
- Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
- Music Line
Memphis vs Nashville food and culture
Memphis: Soul of barbecue and blues
Memphis is famous for its soul food and barbecue, with staples like dry-aged ribs and pulled pork drawing foodies from all over. Beale Street serves as the epicenter of the city’s blues culture, offering live music in historic clubs and bars. The city’s cultural identity is also tied to its history, which is on display at the National Civil Rights Museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Annual events such as The World’s Best Barbecue Cooking Competition as well as Memphis Music Festival celebrate the city’s rich culinary and musical heritage.
Nashville: The diverse food scene of the music city
Nashville’s food scene combines Southern comfort with modern innovation, with staples like hot chicken, biscuits, and steaks dominating local menus. In addition to its iconic country music scene, Nashville offers a growing indie music and art culture. The city hosts festivals such as CMA Music Festival as well as Nashville Film Festivalattracting visitors throughout the year. Local landmarks such as the Ryman Auditorium and the Johnny Cash Museum are cultural pillars that celebrate Nashville’s role in music history.
Memphis vs Nashville sports venue
Memphis: Basketball and minor league action
Memphis’ sports culture is highlighted by the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), which play home games at the FedExForum and attract loyal fans. The city is also home to the Memphis Redbirds, a Triple-A baseball team that plays in AutoZone Park. College basketball, especially the Memphis Tigers, plays an important role in the city’s sports identity.
Nashville: Hockey and football passion
Nashville’s sports scene is thriving with the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and Nashville Predators (NHL). Nissan Stadium and Bridgestone Arena they are great places for high energy sports. Nashville SC, the city’s MLS team, adds to the growing soccer scene, while college soccer fans follow Vanderbilt University and nearby programs.
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