Home › Compare › Memphis, TN vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Tucson, AZ

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

5.8% Tucson, AZ is more expensive overall
20.0% 20.0% more expensive housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.0% more
Memphis
70
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
Memphis
92
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Memphis
96
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 2.2% more
Memphis
90
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Memphis
98
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index86915.8% more
Housing708420.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,0005.3% more
Median Home Price$165,000$270,00063.6% more
Groceries92964.3% more
Transportation9696~Same
Healthcare90922.2% more
Utilities981046.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Tucson, 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
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Tucson outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Tucson542,629

Moving from Memphis to Tucson?

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Tucson?+
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 Tucson?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. 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 Tucson?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Arizona averages 0.51%.