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Nashville vs Memphis: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Nashville is 29% more expensive than Memphis. Nashville is 40% safer. Nashville has more comfortable months (6 vs 4). Nashville population: 678,044. Memphis population: 609,647.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingMemphis
SafetyNashville
WeatherNashville
HousingMemphis

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Nashville vs Memphis

Memphis is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 85 vs 110 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.

CategoryNashvilleMemphis
Overall Index11085
Housing$2,581/moIndex: 145$1,388/moIndex: 78
Groceries$402/moIndex: 98$390/moIndex: 95
Transportation$368/moIndex: 105$343/moIndex: 98
Healthcare$326/moIndex: 102$314/moIndex: 98
Utilities$202/moIndex: 92$202/moIndex: 92

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Nashville vs Memphis

Nashville is 40% safer overall, with a crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000 residents vs Memphis's 74. Nashville earns a F safety grade compared to Memphis's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

Nashville

Tennessee

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeF
Property CrimeD-
Crime Rate44.5/1K
TrendDeclining
F

Memphis

Tennessee

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeF
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate74/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricNashvilleMemphis
Overall Crime Rate44.5/1K74/1K
Violent Crime Rate950.01900.0
Property Crime Rate3500.05500.0
Murder Rate13.127.9
Assault Rate672.81402.4
Robbery Rate169.3312.8
Burglary Rate480.3763.2
Theft Rate2918.04760.5
Vehicle Theft Rate556.41296.8

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Nashville, you have a 1 in 22 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 14 in Memphis.

Climate: Nashville vs Memphis

Nashville Climate Overview

Annual High70.8°F
Annual Low50.5°F
Annual Rain46.2"
Annual Snow5.0"
Comfortable Months6
Best MonthMay
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ColdComfortableWarm

Memphis Climate Overview

Annual High72.5°F
Annual Low53.4°F
Annual Rain52.1"
Annual Snow3.0"
Comfortable Months4
Best MonthMay
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ColdComfortableWarm

Monthly Temperature Comparison

NashvilleMemphisHigh/Low °F range
20°40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricNashvilleMemphis
Avg Annual High70.8°F72.5°F
Avg Annual Low50.5°F53.4°F
Annual Rain46.2"52.1"
Annual Snow5.0"3.0"
Comfortable Months64
Freezing Months11

Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but winter temperatures are comparable. Nashville gets significantly more snow (5" vs 3"). Memphis is wetter with 52" of annual rain compared to 46". Nashville has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 4).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville cheaper than Memphis?
Memphis is 29% more affordable than Nashville, with a cost of living index of 85 vs 110 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,581/mo in Nashville vs $1,388/mo in Memphis.
Is Nashville safer than Memphis?
Nashville is 40% safer overall, with a crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000 residents vs Memphis's 74. Nashville earns a F safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Nashville or Memphis?
Memphis is about the same temperature as Nashville. Nashville has more comfortable months (6 vs 4). Annual snow: Nashville gets 5", Memphis gets 3".
Should I move to Nashville or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville is safer (F grade). Memphis is more affordable (index 85 vs 110). Nashville has better year-round weather. Nashville has a population of 678,044 and Memphis has 609,647. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Nashville compared to Memphis?
Nashville has a population of 678,044 and Memphis has 609,647. Nashville is 11% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Nashville or Memphis?
Housing is cheaper in Memphis. Estimated monthly housing costs: Nashville $2,581/mo vs Memphis $1,388/mo. That's based on a housing index of 145 vs 78 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
Nashville Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
F
Memphis Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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