Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Memphis is 35% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,123/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 37%
$51,211/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 26%
$157,100 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 108%
$1,087/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 30%
629,063
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $13,229/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Memphis or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Clearwater?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Clearwater?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $13,229/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Florida?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Clearwater details →

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