Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Memphis is 9% more affordable than Syracuse. A $75,000 salary in Syracuse is equivalent to $68,478 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 Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while Syracuse scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than Syracuse (100).
Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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