Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Memphis is 14% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,123/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
$51,211/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,339/yr ≈ Same
$157,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 42%
$1,087/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 17%
629,063
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $128/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Springfield — common questions

Is Memphis or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Springfield?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $128/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Massachusetts?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Springfield details →

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