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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Mesa, AZ

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

15.1% Mesa, AZ is more expensive overall
48.6% 48.6% more expensive housing
5.4% 5.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 48.6% more
Memphis
70
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 5.4% more
Memphis
92
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Memphis
96
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.4% more
Memphis
90
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 8.2% more
Memphis
98
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index869915.1% more
Housing7010448.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,25031.6% more
Median Home Price$165,000$365,000121.2% more
Groceries92975.4% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare90944.4% more
Utilities981068.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Mesa, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax7.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Mesa outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Mesa504,258

Moving from Memphis to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 48.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Mesa?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Memphis to Mesa?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 compared to $66,000 in Mesa. 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 Memphis vs Mesa?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $200,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Arizona averages 0.51%.