Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Memphis is 14% cheaper than Dearborn.

$1,123/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 13%
$51,211/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 27%
$157,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 31%
$1,087/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 8%
629,063
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $13,981/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Memphis or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Dearborn?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Dearborn?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $13,981/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Michigan?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Dearborn details →

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