Quick answer
Memphis costs $655/month less overall ($1,455 vs $2,110/mo). Memphis also has lower state income tax (None vs Up to 9.9%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Memphis vs Portland
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Memphis vs Portland at a Glance
| Metric | Memphis | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $980 ✓ | $1,980 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,220 ✓ | $1,980 |
| Median Home Price | $195K ✓ | $498K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $150 | $120 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $325 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,455 ✓ | $2,110 |
| Walk Score | 36/100 | 67/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 28/100 | 51/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | Up to 9.9% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Memphis's 1BR averages $980/month vs $1,590 in Portland — a $610/month difference, or $7,320/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Memphis charges None state income tax vs Up to 9.9% in Portland. On an $80K salary that's a $7,920/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,880 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Memphis are $195K vs $498K in Portland. At a 20% down payment, that's a $60,600 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Memphis utilities run $30 more per month than Portland. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Memphis, TN
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Memphis. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Portland, OR
Portland's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Memphis
Hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms, high annual rainfall
Portland
Consistently overcast and drizzly Oct–May (rarely below 35°F, rarely heavy rain); warm, dry, spectacular summers (75–85°F, June–September)
Job Market
Memphis top industries
Portland top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Memphis if…
- →You're a logistics / supply chain workers
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a musicians
- →You're a remote workers seeking extreme affordability
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Portland if…
- →You're a cyclists
- →You're a foodies
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a creatives
- →You're a environmentalists
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Portland cheaper to live in?
Memphis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,455 in Memphis vs $2,110 in Portland — a $655/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Memphis or Portland?
Portland is more walkable with a Walk Score of 67/100 vs 36/100. Memphis is more car-dependent.
Memphis vs Portland: which has lower state income tax?
Memphis has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $7,920/year vs Portland (Up to 9.9%).
Is Memphis or Portland better for buying a home?
Memphis has lower median home prices at $195K vs $498K in Portland — a $303,000 difference on the median home.