Home › Compare › Boston, MA vs Memphis, TN

Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

36.3% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
59.3% 59.3% cheaper housing
16.4% 16.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 59.3% cheaper
Boston
172
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 16.4% cheaper
Boston
110
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 18.6% cheaper
Boston
118
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 21.7% cheaper
Boston
115
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 12.5% cheaper
Boston
112
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1358636.3% less
Housing1727059.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$95063.5% less
Median Home Price$700,000$165,00076.4% less
Groceries1109216.4% less
Transportation1189618.6% less
Healthcare1159021.7% less
Utilities1129812.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Memphis, TN
State Income Tax9.00% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Boston675,647
Memphis633,104

Moving from Boston to Memphis?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston 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 59.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $1,650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Memphis?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Memphis?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $535,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.