Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Provo, UT (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Memphis is 33% cheaper than Provo.

$1,123/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 3%
$51,211/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↑ 23%
$157,100 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 178%
$1,087/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 12%
629,063
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,589/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Provo — common questions

Is Memphis or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Provo?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Provo?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $11,589/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Utah?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Provo details →

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