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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Memphis, TN

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

16.5% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
40.7% 40.7% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 40.7% cheaper
Austin
118
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 4.2% cheaper
Austin
96
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 7.2% cheaper
Austin
97
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1038616.5% less
Housing1187040.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$95034.5% less
Median Home Price$425,000$165,00061.2% less
Groceries96924.2% less
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare97907.2% less
Utilities9998~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Memphis, TN
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Memphis costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Memphis to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Austin979,882
Memphis633,104

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Memphis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Memphis →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Memphis vs Portland → Memphis vs Phoenix → Memphis vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Memphis cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 40.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Memphis?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Memphis?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $48,000 in Memphis. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $260,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.