Skyline of Memphis
Cost of Living: 88.5 621,056

Memphis, TN, US

Birthplace of rock 'n' roll with BBQ, blues on Beale Street, and no state income tax.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 88.5

Below Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 74.2

Affordable

Median Income $43,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.5%

Job market health

Memphis vs US Average

Cost of Living
Memphis: 88.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Memphis: 74.2
US Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 9.8%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $43,000
  • Unemployment: 4.5%
  • Population: 621,056

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 214/year
  • Summer High: 92°F
  • Winter Low: 32°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $175,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

Cost of Living

Memphis's cost of living index is 88.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryMemphisNational AverageDifference
Overall88.5100-11.5%
Housing74.2100-25.8%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$175,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/mo
Price per Sq Ft$116

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Memphis:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$105Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$221Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$40Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$451Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Memphis

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,140/mo.

Memphis Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,045/mo.

East Memphis

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $855/mo.

West Memphis

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $903/mo.

Remote Work Score

Memphis scores 125/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 214 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Memphis has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January52°F32°F2.5"
April77°F47°F2.8"
July92°F67°F1.5"
October72°F50°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 9.75%
  • Property Tax: ~1.37% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN, US?

The cost of living index in Memphis is 88.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Memphis?

The median home price in Memphis is $175,000. The housing index is 74.2.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Memphis is approximately $950/mo.

Does Memphis, TN have income tax?

Memphis is in TN, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Memphis?

Memphis enjoys approximately 214 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,92°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.32°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.