Memphis vs Tucson: cost of living compared
Tucson is 13% more expensive than Memphis overall. Memphis (TN) has no state income tax; AZ tops out around 2.5%.
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
Memphis generally offers a noticeably cheaper cost of living compared to Tucson. The primary factor driving this difference is housing, which is substantially more affordable in Memphis. Other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities also contribute significantly to Memphis's lower overall expenses, making it a more budget-friendly option across many spending areas. Tucson's slightly higher costs are spread across most categories.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant difference between the two metros. Both median home prices and median one-bedroom rents are considerably lower in Memphis. Memphis typically features traditional Southern homes, often with larger lots. Tucson's housing stock leans towards Southwestern and adobe styles, often built to withstand a desert climate. Renting or buying, expect to pay substantially more in Tucson.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary. Tennessee has no state income tax, while Arizona has a modest state income tax. Transportation costs are roughly comparable between the two cities. However, Memphis offers more affordable food and healthcare expenses. Utilities, including electricity and water, are also more expensive in Tucson, contributing to higher monthly outlays for essential services.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, and is located on a major river. Tucson has a hot desert climate, with very hot, dry summers and mild winters, and is known for its mountain views. Both cities are car-dependent, though Memphis has a more established public transit system. Memphis has a flatter topography, while Tucson is surrounded by mountains.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing a lower cost of living, Memphis presents a clear advantage, primarily due to its substantially more affordable housing market. While transportation costs are similar, Memphis also offers savings on food, healthcare, and utilities, plus the absence of a state income tax. Tucson, with its desert climate and higher overall expenses, requires a larger budget for a comparable lifestyle.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 78 | 88 |
| Housing index | 54 | 78 |
| Transportation index | 88 | 89 |
| Food index | 85 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 108 |
| Misc index | 78 | 82 |
| Median home price | $178,000 | $278,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $900/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Tucson home with the True Cost Calculator.