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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79

Memphis is 14% cheaper than Grand Rapids.

$1,123/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,191/mo ↑ 6%
$51,211/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$65,526/yr ↑ 28%
$157,100 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$225,500 ↑ 44%
$1,087/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 5%
629,063
Population
197,768

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
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Grand Rapids, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $14,315/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $225,500 in Grand Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Grand Rapids — common questions

Is Memphis or Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Grand Rapids it's $1,191/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Grand Rapids?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $65,526 in Grand Rapids. Median household income is $14,315/year higher in Grand Rapids.
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 Grand Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Grand Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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