Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Memphis, TN (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Denver is 116% more expensive than Memphis.

$1,770/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 37%
$91,681/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 44%
$586,700 ↑ 273%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 73%
$1,839/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 41%
713,734
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $40,470/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Memphis — common questions

Is Denver or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Memphis?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Memphis?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $40,470/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Tennessee?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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