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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

20.4% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
36.4% 36.4% cheaper housing
13.2% 13.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 13.2% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 14.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 14.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 9.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1088620.4% less
Housing1107036.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$95036.7% less
Median Home Price$280,000$165,00041.1% less
Groceries1069213.2% less
Transportation1129614.3% less
Healthcare1059014.3% less
Utilities108989.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Memphis, TN
State Income Tax3.07%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Memphis633,104

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia 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 36.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Memphis?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Philadelphia to Memphis?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.