Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Memphis is 16% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $63,000 in Memphis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Memphis has a housing index of 63 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while Phoenix scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than Phoenix (95).
Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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