Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Memphis, TN (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Detroit is 15% cheaper than Memphis.

$1,034/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↑ 9%
$39,575/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↑ 29%
$76,800 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$157,100 ↑ 105%
$868/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↑ 25%
636,644
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $11,636/year higher in Memphis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Memphis — common questions

Is Detroit or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Memphis?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Memphis?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $11,636/year higher in Memphis.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Tennessee?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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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