Median rent is 32% lower in Memphis ($1,181/mo vs $1,747/mo). Buying is cheaper in Memphis, where the median home runs $169,000 versus $394,100. Households earn more in Orlando ($72,336 vs $51,736 a year). Taken together, Memphis is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 101.6 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Orlando, FL.
Cost of living verdict
Memphis is 9% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Memphis vs 101.6 in Orlando (US national average = 100)
City A
Memphis, TN
City B
Orlando, FL
How much would you need to earn in Orlando, FL to maintain your standard of living from Memphis, TN?
Equivalent salary in Orlando, FL
$82,866
You'd need $7,866 more (10% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Memphis
Tennessee
Orlando
Florida
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Memphis — median rent of $1,181/mo versus $1,747/mo in Orlando, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Orlando: the median home is $394,100 versus $169,000 in Memphis — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Memphis
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Orlando
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Memphis has cleaner air on average: 19.0 AQI (Good) compared to 54.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Memphis if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 101.6).
Pick Orlando if you prioritize higher median household income ($72,336/yr).
Pick Memphis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,181/mo median).
Pick Memphis if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 19.0).
Is Memphis cheaper than Orlando?
Memphis is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 101.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Memphis.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Orlando?
Median rent is $1,181/mo in Memphis, TN and $1,747/mo in Orlando, FL. Memphis, TN has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Memphis or Orlando?
Median household income is $51,736 in Memphis, TN and $72,336 in Orlando, FL. Orlando, FL 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?
Memphis, TN has better air quality on average: 19.0 AQI versus 54.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Memphis or Orlando?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Orlando to match my Memphis income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Memphis, TN is equivalent to roughly $110,488 in Orlando, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
