The question of whether to live in Memphis, TN or Louisville, KY is dependent on various factors that contribute to the quality of life. These factors vary from safety, weather, cost of living, to cultural experiences, and they all contribute to the attractiveness of a city to both residents and tourists. This comparison aims to highlight these aspects, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and needs.
Safety is a priority in any location, and both cities have diverse crime rates. Memphis has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, contributing to a perception of lower safety levels. However, ongoing efforts are being made to enhance safety. Louisville's crime rate is also above the national average, but lower than Memphis, suggesting a relatively safer environment.
Cost of Living
Cost of living largely depends on factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation. Memphis has a lower cost of living compared to the national average making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their dollar. Similarly, Louisville also has a cost of living below the national average, but slightly higher than Memphis.
Income Tax
Tennessee, and therefore Memphis, does not impose a state income tax on wages and salaries, which is an attraction for many. Kentucky has a statewide flat income tax rate of 5%, which applies to Louisville.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Memphis and Louisville are near the national average, with Memphis rates slightly higher than those of Louisville. It's crucial to note that annual tax costs can vary greatly based on the local municipality and the value of the property.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Memphis is higher at 9.25% compared to Louisville's 6%. These rates combine both state and local sales taxes.
Income
Type
Memphis
Louisville
Estimated median household income
$44,317
$44,270
Estimated per capita income
$28,571
$29,894
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.5
94.1
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $55,029 in Louisville to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Memphis, located along the Mississippi River, offers a blend of flat and hilly terrain. Louisville, positioned around the Ohio River, presents a varied geographical profile with flatlands to the west and knobs region to the south and east.
The education sector in both cities boasts of some of the finest schools and universities. Memphis's education system is a combination of public, private, and charter schools, including recognized universities like the University of Memphis. Louisville also boasts of premier education institutions, such as the University of Louisville and Jefferson Community and Technical College.
Memphis's economy is diverse with major sectors being trade, transportation, utilities, education, health, and manufacturing. Louisville's economy is also diversified with healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics being key economic drivers.
Biggest Employers
In Memphis, FedEx is one of the largest employers, alongside International Paper and AutoZone. In Louisville, UPS, Ford, and healthcare providers including Norton Healthcare and University of Louisville Hospital are top employers.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Louisville (Jefferson County), 55.0% voted for Democrats and 43.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
2020
64.8%
59.2%
34.2%
39.1%
1.1%
1.7%
2016
62.3%
54.1%
34.7%
40.8%
3.1%
5.2%
2012
62.9%
55.0%
36.7%
43.8%
0.4%
1.2%
2008
63.8%
55.6%
36.2%
43.5%
0.0%
0.9%
2004
57.7%
50.6%
42.0%
48.9%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
56.8%
49.8%
42.3%
48.2%
0.9%
2.0%
1996
78.9%
51.5%
19.6%
41.0%
1.5%
7.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.8%
14.3%
15.1%
25.0%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
6.5%
16.3%
2.7%
8.5%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1.5%
0.0%
0.7%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.9%
1.8%
2.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.9%
0.8%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.0%
0.7%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
0.6%
0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
0.9%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.4%
0.4%
1.6%
Weather
Memphis experiences milder winters compared to Louisville, with temperatures rarely going below 30°F. Summers in Memphis are hot and humid. Louisville experiences colder winters with temperatures occasionally dipping below freezing, and warm, humid summers. The cities have comparable climates overall, with the notable difference being the colder winters in Louisville.
Weather and climate
Type
Memphis
Louisville
Temperature - Average
61.9°F
56.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
73.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
54.3 in
43.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
8.6 in
31.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.7%
15.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
68.7%
59.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
25%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
41%
Wind speed - Average
8.8 mph
8.4 mph
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Average climate in Louisville, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
Memphis
Louisville
2018
81
89
0.24
0.27
10.4
11.9
27.1
25.5
19.0
18.2
8.1
9.7
0.4
0.8
2017
74
77
0.24
0.27
10.2
12.2
28.1
26.5
17.5
17.3
7.9
9.2
0.3
0.6
2016
76
91
0.24
0.30
10.2
11.6
28.8
26.7
19.6
15.9
8.5
9.0
0.9
0.6
2015
77
92
0.26
0.31
11.1
12.3
26.9
25.4
N/A
17.4
9.2
10.7
1.0
1.0
2014
75
92
0.27
0.32
10.1
12.8
26.5
26.1
N/A
18.3
9.9
12.0
1.3
2.0
2013
74
83
0.31
N/A
8.3
N/A
26.6
27.8
N/A
16.9
10.2
12.0
1.0
2.1
2012
94
102
0.32
N/A
9.3
N/A
29.7
26.2
N/A
19.2
10.7
12.7
0.6
2.6
2011
93
111
0.34
N/A
10.0
N/A
29.0
26.9
N/A
19.7
11.1
13.3
0.5
3.1
2010
95
109
0.43
N/A
10.3
N/A
27.9
27.3
N/A
21.7
12.9
13.2
N/A
3.1
2009
86
90
0.35
N/A
8.7
13.6
24.9
27.5
N/A
18.9
11.8
13.4
N/A
3.1
2008
94
101
0.36
0.35
10.3
15.5
26.3
29.6
N/A
20.6
13.2
15.0
N/A
4.3
2007
106
111
0.47
0.44
11.2
15.9
26.7
32.0
N/A
24.0
14.8
14.8
5.6
5.9
2006
108
80
0.43
0.66
13.0
15.2
26.8
26.5
N/A
22.6
14.7
N/A
6.3
3.7
2005
110
86
0.46
0.39
10.1
16.9
26.9
27.4
N/A
24.6
17.9
N/A
4.9
4.1
2004
98
77
0.51
0.36
N/A
16.8
24.9
26.2
N/A
22.3
14.5
N/A
5.9
4.6
2003
110
83
0.57
0.46
20.1
17.9
25.3
24.6
N/A
24.0
15.0
N/A
5.8
5.0
2002
110
95
0.58
0.49
20.4
17.6
25.1
27.2
15.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
4.4
2001
111
95
0.66
0.56
24.7
18.2
26.0
28.3
22.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.1
5.6
2000
103
103
0.63
0.53
25.2
15.7
26.2
27.8
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.4
7.6
Natural disasters
Type
Memphis
Louisville
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
198.6%
165.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
474%
213%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
17%
Transportation
Memphis offers several public transportation options, including MATA buses and trolleys, while commuting is also facilitated by a network of highways and Memphis International Airport. Louisville also offers a reliable public transportation system with TARC buses, and the Louisville International Airport aids in intercity and interstate commuting.
Transport
Type
Memphis
Louisville
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
655
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
52
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Memphis
Louisville
Bicycle
0%
0.4%
Bus
0.4%
6.7%
Carpooled
7.5%
12.6%
Car alone
88.8%
73.5%
Walked
1.2%
4.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Memphis
Louisville
Average
27 min
21.1 min
Real Estate
The median home price in Memphis is lower than the national average, which translates to relatively affordable housing. In Louisville, the situation is similar, with the median home price being slightly above that of Memphis, but still under the national average.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods that cater to a range of lifestyles. Memphis has neighborhoods like Cooper-Young with a vibrant arts scene and East Memphis known for upscale homes. In Louisville, Old Louisville is popular for Victorian architecture, while The Highlands boasts of a vibrant nightlife.
Houses and residents
Type
Memphis
Louisville
Houses
288,491
121,107
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.2
Houses occupied
256,968 (89.1%)
111,354 (91.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,622 (46.6%)
58,481 (52.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
137,346 (53.4%)
52,873 (47.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$760.83
$753.66
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$201,932
$198,186
Estimated median house or condo value
$142,800
$180,781
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.8
3.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
5.5
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,032.8
1,949.6
Household income disparities
48.2%
50.8%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,461 (2%)
19,560 (37%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,970 (5.4%)
121 (0.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
71,386 (98%)
33,359 (63%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
322 (0.4%)
4,661 (8.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,907 (8.1%)
4,100 (7.7%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
5.7%
1.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,111
5,520
State government workers
7,650
5,067
Unpaid family workers
668
295
Industries and Occupations
The healthcare industry provides a significant number of jobs in both cities. Memphis is home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, while in Louisville, the University of Louisville Hospital and Norton Healthcare are major employers. The cities also host a number of logistics and manufacturing companies.
Both cities boast extensive healthcare systems. Memphis residents rely on institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Baptist Memorial Health Care. Louisville offers robust healthcare facilities like University of Louisville Hospital and Norton Healthcare.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Memphis
Louisville
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Memphis and Louisville have seen a rise in infrastructure development over the past few years. Memphis is making significant strides in areas like energy provision, waste management, and water supply. Louisville is similarly investing in infrastructure development, with efforts targeting broadband access, city facilities, and public transportation.
Infrastructure
Type
Memphis
Louisville
Hospitals
35
20
TV stations
14
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
160
255
Bank institutions located here
33
25
Main business address for public companies
17
31
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Memphis
Louisville
1999
2,195
879
2000
2,406
799
2001
1,775
535
2002
1,444
490
2003
2,116
639
2004
3,266
881
2005
4,730
1,116
2006
5,833
1,037
2007
3,559
685
2008
1,174
397
2009
345
253
Culture and Food
Both cities are culturally rich. Memphis, the birthplace of Rock and Roll, is known for Beale Street, Graceland, and its tangy barbeque. Louisville embraces its midwestern and southern heritage with noteworthy attractions like the Kentucky Derby and the Bourbon trail, and its culinary scene, famous for the Hot Brown sandwich and Derby pie.
Sports Teams
Sports fans in Memphis support the NBA's Grizzlies and enjoy college sports from the University of Memphis. Louisville doesn't have an NBA team but has steadfast support for the Louisville Cardinals, and Louisville City FC in soccer.
Memphis, TN
Louisville, KY
