Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Memphis is 46% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,123/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 42%
$51,211/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 64%
$157,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 189%
$1,087/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 61%
629,063
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $32,646/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Memphis or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Tacoma?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $32,646/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Washington?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Tacoma details →

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