Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Durham, NC (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Memphis is 35% cheaper than Durham.

$1,123/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 26%
$51,211/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 55%
$157,100 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 126%
$1,087/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 32%
629,063
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $28,023/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Durham — common questions

Is Memphis or Durham 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 Durham?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Durham?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $28,023/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and North Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Durham

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo