Memphis vs Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler
Cost of Living Comparison
Memphis
To match your lifestyle in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, you'd need:
$119,161
The Verdict
Cost of Living Index
Purchasing Power
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler
To match your lifestyle in Memphis, you'd need:
$42,892
The Bottom Line
On a $70,000 salary, you would have $8,165 more per year in Memphis compared to Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler. You'd pay $1,385 more in taxes in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, while housing costs 44% more. The cost of living in Memphis is 23% below avg, while Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler is 24% above avg, making Memphis the more affordable city overall. Your $70,000 salary in Memphis feels like earning $119,161 in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler once you factor in taxes, rent, and cost of living. For K-12 education, Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler has a better pupil-teacher ratio (0:1 vs 0:1). College is more affordable in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler ($15,269 vs $11,297 avg in-state tuition).
K-12 Schools
Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler more expensive?
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler is more expensive with a cost of living index of 124.3 vs 77.3 (national average = 100).
What salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler equals $70,000 in Memphis?
You would need to earn approximately $119,161 in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler to maintain the same purchasing power as a $70,000 salary in Memphis, after accounting for taxes, rent, and cost of living differences.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler?
Average annual rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $15,288 in Memphis and $22,068 in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler—housing is 44% more in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler.