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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Memphis is 46% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,123/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 71%
$51,211/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 82%
$157,100 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 152%
$1,087/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 46%
629,063
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $42,160/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Surprise — common questions

Is Memphis or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Surprise?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Surprise?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $42,160/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Surprise

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite