Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Memphis, TN

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

18.1% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
41.7% 41.7% cheaper housing
6.1% 6.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 41.7% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 6.1% cheaper
Salt Lake City
98
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Salt Lake City
100
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 6.2% cheaper
Salt Lake City
96
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 11.4% more
Salt Lake City
88
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1058618.1% less
Housing1207041.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$95029.6% less
Median Home Price$475,000$165,00065.3% less
Groceries98926.1% less
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare96906.2% less
Utilities889811.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Memphis, TN
State Income Tax4.65%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.10%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Memphis633,104

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake City 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 41.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Memphis?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Memphis?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $310,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.