Home › Compare › Dallas, TX vs Memphis, TN

Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

15.7% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
35.2% 35.2% cheaper housing
5.2% 5.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 35.2% cheaper
Dallas
108
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 5.2% cheaper
Dallas
97
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 5.0% cheaper
Dallas
101
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 8.2% cheaper
Dallas
98
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 5.8% cheaper
Dallas
104
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1028615.7% less
Housing1087035.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$95032.1% less
Median Home Price$340,000$165,00051.5% less
Groceries97925.2% less
Transportation101965.0% less
Healthcare98908.2% less
Utilities104985.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Memphis633,104

Moving from Dallas 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 Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas 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 35.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Memphis?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.