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Cost of Living: Detroit, MI 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.

3.4% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
2.9% 2.9% more expensive housing
3.2% 3.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.9% more
Detroit
68
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 3.2% cheaper
Detroit
95
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 5.9% cheaper
Detroit
102
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 6.2% cheaper
Detroit
96
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 5.8% cheaper
Detroit
104
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Detroit, MI Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index89863.4% less
Housing68702.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$900$9505.6% more
Median Home Price$85,000$165,00094.1% more
Groceries95923.2% less
Transportation102965.9% less
Healthcare96906.2% less
Utilities104985.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Detroit, MI Memphis, TN
State Income Tax4.25%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.32%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Detroit, MI
$42,000
Median household income
Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Memphis outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Detroit (89) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Detroit6.2%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Detroit1.5%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
DetroitAuto, Manufacturing, Healthcare
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Detroit27 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Detroit55
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Detroit44
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Detroit49°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Detroit639,111
Memphis633,104

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Detroit 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Detroit 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 2.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Detroit vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $900/month in Detroit and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Detroit or Memphis?+
Michigan has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Detroit to Memphis?+
Median household income in Detroit is $42,000 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 Detroit vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Detroit is $85,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: Michigan averages 1.32% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.