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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Memphis is 59% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,123/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 70%
$51,211/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 110%
$157,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 352%
$1,087/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 68%
629,063
Population
242,169

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
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $56,161/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Memphis or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $56,161/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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