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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Memphis is 55% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,123/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 60%
$51,211/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 121%
$157,100 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 282%
$1,087/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 79%
629,063
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $62,185/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Arvada — common questions

Is Memphis or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Arvada?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Arvada?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $62,185/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Colorado?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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