Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Memphis is 11% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,123/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 7%
$51,211/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 26%
$157,100 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$193,600 ↑ 23%
$1,087/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↑ 5%
629,063
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $13,059/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Memphis or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Pasadena?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Pasadena?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,059/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Pasadena details →

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