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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Memphis is 28% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,123/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 24%
$51,211/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 44%
$157,100 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 76%
$1,087/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 31%
629,063
Population
394,769

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $22,308/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Arlington — common questions

Is Memphis or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Arlington?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Arlington?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $22,308/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Arlington

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans