Memphis vs Springdale
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Memphis
Springdale
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 3.4%, with Memphis being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Memphis has equivalent purchasing power to $77,679 in Springdale.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Memphis has the same purchasing power as $77,679 in Springdale.
Conversely, $75,000 in Springdale equals $72,414 in Memphis.
Living in Memphis vs Springdale
Housing Costs
Memphis's housing index of 63 is lower Springdale's 86, translating to median home prices of $155,000 vs $299,000. The $144,000 difference in home prices means roughly $9,360 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,000/mo in Memphis compared to $1,000/mo in Springdale, a monthly difference of $0.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 93 in Memphis and 97 in Springdale. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $442/month in Memphis vs $461/month in Springdale. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 88 in Memphis and 93 in Springdale. Monthly utility bills average approximately $352 in Memphis vs $372 in Springdale. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 92 in Memphis and 82 in Springdale. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $41,228 in Memphis and $62,100 in Springdale. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $49,081 and $71,379 respectively. Springdale residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $962/month to housing in Memphis vs $1,449/month in Springdale. In Memphis, median rent of $1,000/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Springdale, median rent of $1,000/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 23 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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