Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Memphis is 11% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $67,021 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Memphis has a housing index of 63 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while Rochester scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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