Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Amarillo, TX (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Memphis and Amarillo have a similar cost of living.

$1,123/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 7%
$51,211/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↑ 22%
$157,100 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$186,800 ↑ 19%
$1,087/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 1%
629,063
Population
200,945

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $11,258/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Memphis or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Amarillo?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Amarillo?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $11,258/year higher in Amarillo.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

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