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

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Memphis is 35% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,123/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 26%
$51,211/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 32%
$157,100 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 116%
$1,087/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 40%
629,063
Population
205,501

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $16,333/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Worcester — common questions

Is Memphis or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Worcester?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Worcester?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $16,333/year higher in Worcester.
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 Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Worcester details →

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