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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

14.9% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
36.4% 36.4% cheaper housing
8.0% 8.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.4% cheaper
Tampa
110
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 8.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 5.3% cheaper
Tampa
95
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 4.9% cheaper
Tampa
103
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1018614.9% less
Housing1107036.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$95034.5% less
Median Home Price$365,000$165,00054.8% less
Groceries100928.0% less
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare95905.3% less
Utilities103984.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Memphis, TN
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$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 Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Memphis633,104

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa 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 Tampa vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Memphis?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Tampa to Memphis?+
Median household income in Tampa 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 Tampa vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $200,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.