Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Memphis, TN (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Washington is 103% more expensive than Memphis.

$1,900/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 41%
$106,287/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 52%
$724,600 ↑ 361%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 78%
$2,103/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 48%
672,079
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $777/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $9,324/year.

Median household income is $55,076/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Memphis — common questions

Is Washington or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Memphis?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $777/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Memphis?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $55,076/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Tennessee?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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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