Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Memphis, TN (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Boston is 108% more expensive than Memphis.

$2,093/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 46%
$94,755/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 46%
$710,400 ↑ 352%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 78%
$2,176/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 50%
663,972
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $43,544/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Memphis — common questions

Is Boston or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Memphis?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Memphis?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $43,544/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Tennessee?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Memphis has a cost index of 68 with rent of $1,123/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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