Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs College Station, TX (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Memphis is 25% cheaper than College Station.

$1,123/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 4%
$51,211/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↑ 1%
$157,100 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 108%
$1,087/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 15%
629,063
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $565/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs College Station — common questions

Is Memphis or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and College Station?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or College Station?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $565/year higher in College Station.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and College Station

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette