Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Memphis is 36% cheaper than Mesa.

$1,123/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↑ 32%
$51,211/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 54%
$157,100 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$364,300 ↑ 132%
$1,087/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↑ 29%
629,063
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $27,568/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Mesa — common questions

Is Memphis or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Mesa?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Mesa?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $27,568/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Arizona?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Mesa details →

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