55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
76
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Memphis wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Memphis wins 1–3 overall (76/100)
💰 Memphis is more affordable
💼 Memphis has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Memphis — The Verdict
Memphis scores 76.8/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Memphis has a clear edge with home prices 81% lower. For safety-conscious movers, New York has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years. Memphis may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Memphis are 81% lower — a difference of $592,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Memphis saves you $664/month — that's $7,968 per year.
💵
Households in New York earn $28,517 more per year (59% higher median income).
📊
Memphis has a 1.0 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
New York has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$139,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,050
Median Income
$76,607
$48,090
The affordability gap is significant — Memphis offers home prices 81% lower than New York, translating to $592,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
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)
0
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)
9
19
New York has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from New York to Memphis: Common Questions
Is New York or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Memphis is more affordable overall. Home prices are $592,500 lower in Memphis. Monthly rent is $1,050 in Memphis vs $1,714 in New York.
Does New York or Memphis have better weather?
Memphis scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Memphis better for finding a job?
Memphis currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 3.6% in Memphis. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $48,090 in Memphis.
Which city is safer — New York or Memphis?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Memphis. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Memphis.
Should I move from New York to Memphis?
Based on our data, Memphis scores 76.8/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 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.