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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Memphis is 11% cheaper than Tucson.

$1,123/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ↓ 4%
$51,211/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↑ 7%
$157,100 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$242,200 ↑ 54%
$1,087/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 1%
629,063
Population
543,348

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
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,335/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Tucson — common questions

Is Memphis or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Tucson?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Tucson?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $3,335/year higher in Tucson.
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 Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Tucson has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,079/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Tucson details →

More Comparisons

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