Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Memphis is 11% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,123/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 7%
$51,211/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 9%
$157,100 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 23%
$1,087/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 7%
629,063
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $4,583/year higher in Memphis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Rochester — common questions

Is Memphis or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Rochester?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Rochester?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $4,583/year higher in Memphis.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and New York?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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