Question 1

Is Memphis or Tucson cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $41/month less than in Tucson, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $1,402/mo in Tucson.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Tucson?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $68,000/year in Tucson, AZ — a difference of about $2,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Tucson cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,376/month in Memphis and $9,567/month in Tucson, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Tucson?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Memphis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Memphis53	Tucson65
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$3,824
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$9,567
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$68,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$1,402
Median home value	$157,100	$242,200
Median household income	$51,211	$54,546
Unemployment	5.6%	5.7%
Housing score	65	44
Jobs score	14	5
Safety score	4	91
Climate score	100	84
Amenities score	47	58
Population	629.1K	543.3K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	100° / 40°

Memphis, TN vs Tucson, AZ