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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Memphis is 17% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,123/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 13%
$51,211/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↑ 2%
$157,100 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 24%
$1,087/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 10%
629,063
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $959/year higher in Lansing. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Lansing — common questions

Is Memphis or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Lansing?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Lansing?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $959/year higher in Lansing.
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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Lansing

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey