Median rent is 4% lower in Memphis ($1,123/mo vs $1,174/mo). Buying is cheaper in Memphis, where the median home runs $157,100 versus $220,300. Households earn more in Temple ($64,945 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 Temple, TX.
City A
Memphis, TN
City B
Temple, TX
How much would you need to earn in Temple, TX to maintain your standard of living from Memphis, TN?
Equivalent salary in Temple, TX
$75,129
You'd need $129 more (0% higher).
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
Memphis
Tennessee
Temple
Texas
👥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: $1,123/mo in Memphis and $1,174/mo in Temple. Home buyers face a steeper market in Temple: the median home is $220,300 versus $157,100 in Memphis — 29% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Tennessee and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 6.25% in Texas; Temple has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Memphis
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Temple
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Memphis (avg AQI 23.0) but not yet for Temple.
Pick Temple if you prioritize higher median household income ($64,945/yr).
Is Memphis cheaper than Temple?
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 Memphis vs Temple?
Median rent is $1,123/mo in Memphis, TN and $1,174/mo in Temple, TX. Memphis, TN has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Memphis or Temple?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis, TN and $64,945 in Temple, TX. Temple, 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 — Memphis or Temple?
Both Tennessee and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Temple to match my Memphis income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Memphis, TN is equivalent to roughly $100,172 in Temple, TX (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