Memphis vs Ankeny

Category / Metric	Memphis	Ankeny
Financial Overview
Median Income	$51,399	$105,862
Unemployment Rate	3%	3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$199,950	$323,500
Price per SqFt	$127	$214
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,146	$787
Housing Cost Index	77.5	86.1
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.8	95.1
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	1901.0	301.8
Bachelor's Degree+	29%	30%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	31

Welcome to the ultimate relocation showdown. You're standing at a crossroads, looking at two vastly different American cities: Memphis, Tennessee and Ankeny, Iowa. One is a sprawling, soulful Southern hub with a legendary past. The other is a fast-growing, family-first suburb of Des Moines that’s quietly becoming a Midwestern powerhouse.

Choosing between them isn't just about geography; it's about your entire lifestyle. Are you chasing culture and grit, or safety and community? Do you want a city that feels alive at midnight, or one where the streets are quiet by 10 PM?

Let's cut through the noise and dive deep into what really matters. I’ve crunched the numbers, lived the lifestyles, and I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth about where you should put down roots.

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The Vibe Check: Soulful Grit vs. Suburban Bliss

Memphis is a city that wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, the home of the blues, and the kingdom of BBQ. The vibe is unapologetically Southern—slow, friendly, and deeply rooted in its history. You’ll feel the energy of Beale Street, the weight of the National Civil Rights Museum, and the pride of a community that’s been through it all. It’s a city for those who crave authenticity over polish, who find beauty in the worn-in and the lived-in. It’s a place where you can grab a world-class meal for $15 and feel like a local in a week.

Ankeny, on the other hand, is the picture of modern, planned suburban living. It’s clean, safe, and efficient. The vibe is family-oriented, community-focused, and forward-looking. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, it’s attracting young professionals and families fleeing the chaos of bigger metros for a high quality of life without the insane price tag. Think excellent schools, sprawling parks, and a tight-knit community feel. It’s a city for those who prioritize safety, top-tier public services, and a quiet, orderly life.

Who is it for?

• Memphis is for the culture seeker, the foodie, the history buff, and the person who values character over convenience. You’re okay with a bit of roughness around the edges if it comes with soul.
• Ankeny is for the planner, the parent, and the professional who wants a predictable, safe, and comfortable life. You value data-driven decisions and community events like farmers' markets over late-night jazz clubs.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in one city, but if your expenses eat it all up, what’s the point? Let’s talk about "purchasing power." If you earn $100,000 in both places, where do you feel richer?

Ankeny boasts a median income of $105,862—more than double Memphis’s $51,399. But that higher salary comes with higher costs in some areas.

Here’s the raw data on everyday expenses:

Category	Memphis, TN	Ankeny, IA	Winner for Affordability
Rent (1BR)	$1,146	$787	Ankeny
Utilities (Monthly)	~$150	~$180	Memphis
Groceries (Index 100=US Avg)	~95 (5% below avg)	~95 (5% below avg)	Tie
Housing Index	77.5 (22.5% below US avg)	86.1 (13.9% below US avg)	Memphis

The Salary Wars:
Let’s break it down. If you earn $100,000 in Memphis, your money stretches further. The Housing Index of 77.5 means you’re spending less on your biggest expense. Your rent is about 38% higher in Memphis, but remember, that median income is half. So, in reality, a $100k salary in Memphis is a top-tier earner, while in Ankeny, $100k is just at the median. The purchasing power for a $100k earner is significantly better in Memphis because the cost of living hasn’t caught up to the national average like it has in many growing suburbs.

Insight on Taxes: Tennessee is a 0% income tax state. Iowa has a progressive income tax system, but it's been cut recently and is relatively low compared to coastal states. However, the lack of a state income tax in TN is a massive financial advantage, especially for higher earners. This, combined with the lower housing costs, gives Memphis a leg up in pure financial efficiency.

Verdict on Dollar Power: For the average earner, Ankeny's higher median income is a huge draw. But for someone relocating with a remote salary or a high-paying job, Memphis offers more bang for your buck. The financial ceiling in Ankeny is higher, but the floor is much more expensive.

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The Housing Market: Buy or Rent?

Memphis: A Buyer’s Market?
With a median home price of $199,950, Memphis is one of the last major metros in the U.S. where you can still find a home for under $200k. The market is relatively stable, with a Housing Index of 77.5, indicating it's less volatile than the national average. It’s a great time to buy for those looking to build equity. Renting is also affordable, giving you flexibility. The inventory is decent, and while competition exists, it’s not the cutthroat bidding war you see in most cities.

Ankeny: A Competitive Seller’s Market?
Ankeny’s median home price of $323,500 reflects its desirability and growth. The Housing Index of 86.1 shows it’s closer to the national average, meaning prices are more normalized. As a fast-growing suburb, demand is high, especially for family homes near top-rated schools. You can still find condos and townhomes for under $300k, but the single-family home market is competitive. Renting is surprisingly affordable ($787 for a 1BR), which is a huge plus for young professionals.

Verdict on Housing: If your goal is to own a home quickly and minimize your mortgage payment, Memphis is the clear winner. The price point is unbeatable. If you’re renting or looking for a newer, suburban family home in a highly-rated school district, Ankeny offers a more modern, competitive market.

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The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

Traffic & Commute:

• Memphis: Traffic exists, especially on I-40 and I-240 during rush hour. The city is spread out, so commutes can be longer than you'd expect. Public transit (MATA) is limited, so a car is a must.
• Ankeny: As a suburb, traffic is minimal. The commute to Des Moines is straightforward (about 20-30 minutes). The city is designed for cars, and you’ll rarely face gridlock. This is a major quality-of-life advantage.

Weather:

• Memphis (Avg 48°F): Hot, humid summers (frequently hitting 90°F+) and mild, often damp winters. Be prepared for thunderstorms and the occasional ice storm. The humidity is a real factor for many.
• Ankeny (Avg 27°F): True four seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (below freezing for months), with a real winter wonderland. Summers are warm and pleasant. If you hate snow, Ankeny is a dealbreaker. If you hate humidity, Memphis is.

Crime/Safety: The Hard Truth
This is the most critical category and the starkest difference between the two cities.

• Memphis: The data is sobering. With a violent crime rate of 1,901.0 incidents per 100,000 people, Memphis is significantly above the national average. Crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, but it’s a city-wide concern. Researching specific areas is non-negotiable.
• Ankeny: With a violent crime rate of 301.8 per 100,000, Ankeny is exceptionally safe, well below the national average. This is one of the biggest draws for families and retirees.

Verdict on Dealbreakers: If safety and a short, easy commute are your top priorities, Ankeny is the undisputed champion. If you can navigate safety concerns and are willing to trade a longer commute for a warmer climate and more urban energy, Memphis might be for you.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After weighing the data, the culture, and the lifestyle, here’s my final breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Ankeny
The data doesn’t lie. Top-tier schools, incredibly low crime (301.8/100k), affordable rent, and a safe, community-focused environment make Ankeny a no-brainer for raising kids. The slower pace and lack of urban crime are huge selling points.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Memphis
If you’re under 35, love nightlife, music, and food, and want to feel part of a vibrant, historic city, Memphis is your playground. The $77.5 Housing Index and 0% income tax mean your entry-level salary goes further. You’ll have more fun, more culture, and a lower cost of living.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Ankeny
Retirees prioritize safety, healthcare access, and a peaceful environment. Ankeny offers all of that in abundance. The low crime rate, manageable size, and proximity to Des Moines’ excellent medical facilities are ideal. Memphis’s higher crime and humid summers can be challenging for older adults.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Memphis, TN

• Pros:
  • Extremely affordable housing and cost of living.
  • 0% state income tax.
  • Rich culture, music, and food scene.
  • Large city amenities (international airport, professional sports).
• Cons:
  • High violent crime rate.
  • Hot, humid summers.
  • Longer commutes and traffic.
  • Public transit is limited.

Ankeny, IA

• Pros:
  • Extremely low crime and safe.
  • Excellent public schools.
  • Quick commute to Des Moines.
  • Growing, modern community with great parks and amenities.
• Cons:
  • Colder, harsher winters.
  • Higher median home price.
  • Fewer nightlife and cultural options.
  • Less diverse and more homogenous.

The Bottom Line: Your choice boils down to a simple trade-off: Do you want affordability and culture with higher risk, or safety and community with a higher price tag? Memphis is the adventurous, budget-friendly choice. Ankeny is the safe, strategic, family-first bet. Choose wisely.