Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Memphis is 11% cheaper than Pittsburgh.

$1,123/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 9%
$51,211/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 25%
$157,100 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$193,200 ↑ 23%
$1,087/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 5%
629,063
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $12,926/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Memphis or Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $12,926/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Pennsylvania?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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