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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

33.8% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
56.8% 56.8% cheaper housing
14.8% 14.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 56.8% cheaper
Washington
162
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 14.8% cheaper
Washington
108
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation 21.3% cheaper
Washington
122
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 18.2% cheaper
Washington
110
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 6.7% cheaper
Washington
105
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index1308633.8% less
Housing1627056.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$95056.8% less
Median Home Price$620,000$165,00073.4% less
Groceries1089214.8% less
Transportation1229621.3% less
Healthcare1109018.2% less
Utilities105986.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Memphis, TN
State Income Tax10.75% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Washington689,545
Memphis633,104

Moving from Washington to Memphis?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 56.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Memphis?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Memphis?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $455,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.