Memphis vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 99% more expensive than Memphis overall. Neither TN nor WA has a state income tax.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Memphis and Seattle reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Memphis is considerably more affordable across nearly all categories. The most significant factor driving Seattle's higher expenses is its housing market, which is dramatically more expensive than Memphis. While other costs like transportation, food, and healthcare are also higher in Seattle, housing creates the largest budgetary impact, making Memphis a much more budget-friendly option overall.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast between the two metros. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are vastly higher in Seattle compared to Memphis. In Memphis, you'll find a wide array of housing styles, including historic homes and newer constructions, often at very accessible price points. Seattle's housing market is characterized by much higher values, with a mix of modern developments and older, established neighborhoods, all demanding a premium for both buying and renting.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses beyond housing also differ. While neither state has a personal income tax, Seattle residents face noticeably higher costs for transportation, groceries, and healthcare. Utilities are also somewhat more expensive in Seattle, though this gap is not as wide as other categories. Memphis offers a more budget-friendly experience for routine spending, from filling up your tank to grocery shopping and medical care, contributing to a lower overall daily financial burden.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct lifestyles. Memphis, located in the Mid-South, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, and is known for its rich cultural heritage. Seattle, in the Pacific Northwest, has a temperate climate with mild, wet winters and drier, warm summers, often characterized by abundant rainfall. Seattle's public transit options are more extensive, while Memphis relies heavily on personal vehicles. Seattle is generally a denser, faster-paced urban environment.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Memphis offers a significantly lower cost of living, primarily driven by its much more affordable housing market. A household budget will stretch considerably further in Memphis, allowing for greater savings or discretionary spending. Seattle, while offering a different urban experience and climate, demands a substantially higher income to maintain a comparable standard of living, especially when factoring in the elevated housing expenses.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 155 |
| Housing index | 54 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 123 |
| Food index | 85 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 105 |
| Misc index | 78 | 118 |
| Median home price | $178,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $900/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.