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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Memphis is 48% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,123/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 57%
$51,211/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↑ 65%
$157,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$444,500 ↑ 183%
$1,087/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↑ 62%
629,063
Population
390,201

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $636/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $7,632/year.

Median household income is $33,109/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Aurora — common questions

Is Memphis or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Aurora?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $636/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Aurora?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $33,109/year higher in Aurora.
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 Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Aurora details →

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