$MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $5.8K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $219.1K in Washington, DC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Memphis, TN-MS-AR area
Overall Cost
↑ 76.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$5,756
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$69.1K
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
100 = national average
Median Home:$129K

Washington, DC

Population:690K
Cost Index:
177
(77% above avg)
Median Home:$556K

Memphis, TN

The Volunteer State

633K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

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

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Nations capital
  • •No voting representation in Congress
  • •Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Memphis, TN vs Washington, DC

Housing
↑ 236.6%
Memphis, TN
$1,845
Washington, DC
$6,211
Difference
$4,366
more
Transportation
↑ 51.6%
Memphis, TN
$1,243
Washington, DC
$1,885
Difference
$642
more
Other
↑ 9.0%
Memphis, TN
$1,674
Washington, DC
$1,825
Difference
$151
more
Groceries
↑ 14.9%
Memphis, TN
$939
Washington, DC
$1,079
Difference
$140
more
Healthcare
↑ 20.0%
Memphis, TN
$527
Washington, DC
$632
Difference
$105
more
All Utilities
↓ 4.1%
Memphis, TN
$530
Washington, DC
$508
Difference
$21.86
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,035
To$2,150
↑ $1,115
1 Bed
From$1,125
To$2,215
↑ $1,090
2 Bed
From$1,245
To$2,470
↑ $1,225
3 Bed
From$1,645
To$3,115
↑ $1,470
Memphis, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,730/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/mo

💡 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
$12,140
Monthly in Washington, DC
$5,382
Difference

Home Values

Memphis
Washington
$129K
Median Value
$556K
↓ -2.8%
YoY Change
↓ -2.2%
↑ +25.1%
5-Year Change
↓ -5.6%
$58K - $408K
Price Range
$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 331% more expensive than Memphis

Calculate payment - MemphisCalculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $11.2K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$929
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
7.4%
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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
District of Columbia State Tax
Effective: 7.4%
$11.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 32.1%
$48.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,486/month
$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Memphis, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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
Washington
55 Moderate
Air Quality
45 Good
34.4%
Good Air Days
63.7%
99 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌀🌡
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
54 days
Heat Days >95°F
27 days
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
54 days
Heat Days >95°F
27 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Tennessee and Washington DC on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Washington, DC

Other cities in a similar price range

San Diego, CABoston, MA

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison