Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Memphis is 21% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $59,434 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $245,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while Tempe scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than Tempe (95).
Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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