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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.0K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Memphis, TN-MS-AR area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 20.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,500
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$18.0K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Memphis, TN

Population:633K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$129K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:120
Median Home:$414K

Memphis, TN

The Volunteer State

633K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 633K residents.

๐Ÿ’ก Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขFastest growing major city
  • โ€ขDesert metropolis
  • โ€ขSpring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Memphis, TN vs Phoenix, AZ

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 51.1%
Memphis, TN
$1,845
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$943
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 19.8%
Memphis, TN
$1,243
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$246
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 11.8%
Memphis, TN
$527
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$61.96
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 5.9%
Memphis, TN
$530
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$31.15
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 2.6%
Memphis, TN
$939
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$23.98
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 0.2%
Memphis, TN
$1,674
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$3.35
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,035
To$1,390
โ†‘ $355
1 Bed
From$1,125
To$1,510
โ†‘ $385
2 Bed
From$1,245
To$1,750
โ†‘ $505
3 Bed
From$1,645
To$2,330
โ†‘ $685
Memphis, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $940โ€“$1,730/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300โ€“$2,380/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,758
Monthly in Memphis, TN
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,310
Difference

Home Values

Memphis
Phoenix
$129K
Median Value
$414K
โ†“ -2.8%
YoY Change
โ†“ -3.1%
โ†‘ +25.1%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +30.2%
$58K - $408K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 221% more expensive than Memphis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†“ $5.2K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$436
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
3.5%
Rate difference

Memphis, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Memphis, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Memphis
Phoenix
55 Moderate
Air Quality
77 Moderate
34.4%
Good Air Days
9%
99 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐Ÿซจ
Top Hazards
๐Ÿ”ฅ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
54 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
162 days
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
54 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
162 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Tennessee and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

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