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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Memphis is 7% cheaper than High Point.

$1,123/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 5%
$51,211/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 20%
$157,100 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$212,400 ↑ 35%
$1,087/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ≈ Same
629,063
Population
115,263

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
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $10,017/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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 High Point — common questions

Is Memphis or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and High Point?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or High Point?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $10,017/year higher in High Point.
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 High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View High Point details →

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