Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Memphis is 72% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,123/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 144%
$51,211/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 147%
$157,100 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 562%
$1,087/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 142%
629,063
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,619/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $19,428/year.

Median household income is $75,258/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Memphis or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Cambridge?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,619/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Cambridge?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $75,258/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Massachusetts?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Cambridge details →

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