Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Memphis is 73% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,123/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 123%
$51,211/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 215%
$157,100 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 666%
$1,087/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 138%
629,063
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,382/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $16,584/year.

Median household income is $110,089/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Memphis or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Bellevue?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,382/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Bellevue?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $110,089/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Washington?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Bellevue details →

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