Median rent is 2% lower in Memphis ($1,123/mo vs $1,147/mo). Buying is cheaper in Memphis, where the median home runs $157,100 versus $196,000. Households earn more in Killeen ($58,339 vs $51,211 a year). Taken together, Memphis is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.8 against 92.0 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Killeen, TX.
City A
Killeen, TX
City B
Memphis, TN
How much would you need to earn in Memphis, TN to maintain your standard of living from Killeen, TX?
Equivalent salary in Memphis, TN
$74,871
You could earn $129 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Killeen
Texas
Memphis
Tennessee
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,147/mo in Killeen and $1,123/mo in Memphis. Median home values are within 20% of each other: $196,000 in Killeen and $157,100 in Memphis.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Tennessee have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.00% in Tennessee; Killeen has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Killeen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Memphis
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is available for Memphis (avg AQI 23.0) but not yet for Killeen.
Pick Killeen if you prioritize higher median household income ($58,339/yr).
Is Killeen cheaper than Memphis?
Memphis is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.8 versus 92.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Memphis.
How much is rent in Killeen vs Memphis?
Median rent is $1,147/mo in Killeen, TX and $1,123/mo in Memphis, TN. Memphis, TN has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Killeen or Memphis?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen, TX and $51,211 in Memphis, TN. Killeen, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Killeen or Memphis?
Both Texas and Tennessee have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Killeen income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Killeen, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,828 in Memphis, TN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology