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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Seattle is 188% more expensive than Memphis.

$1,998/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 44%
$121,984/yr ↑ 138%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 58%
$912,100 ↑ 481%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 83%
$2,220/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 51%
741,440
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $875/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $10,500/year.

Median household income is $70,773/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Memphis — common questions

Is Seattle or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Memphis?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $875/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Memphis?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $70,773/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Tennessee?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Memphis has a cost index of 68 with rent of $1,123/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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