71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
76
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Memphis wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Memphis wins 1–2 overall (76/100)
💰 Memphis is more affordable
💼 Memphis has lower unemployment
🛡️ Memphis has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Memphis — The Verdict
Memphis scores 76.8/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Memphis has a clear edge with home prices 41% lower. Memphis may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Memphis are 41% lower — a difference of $95,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Memphis saves you $185/month — that's $2,220 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $12,350 more per year (26% higher median income).
📊
Memphis has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$139,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,050
Median Income
$60,440
$48,090
The affordability gap is significant — Memphis offers home prices 41% lower than Houston, translating to $95,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Memphis having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
6 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
19
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Memphis: Common Questions
Is Houston or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is more affordable overall. Home prices are $95,400 lower in Memphis. Monthly rent is $1,050 in Memphis vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Memphis have better weather?
Memphis scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Memphis better for finding a job?
Memphis currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Memphis. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $48,090 in Memphis.
Which city is safer — Houston or Memphis?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Memphis is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Memphis. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Memphis.
Should I move from Houston to Memphis?
Based on our data, Memphis scores 76.8/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Memphis is more affordable, while Memphis has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.