Cost of Living

Frisco vs Memphis Cost of Living

Memphis is approximately 15.2% cheaper than Frisco. See salary equivalence, taxes, and side-by-side breakdown.

Frisco, TX

1.05×
cost-of-living index (1.00 = US average)
State
Texas
State income tax
None
City local income tax
None
Housing index (est.)
Typically 1.5–2× higher than overall index
0.79×
Food/groceries index
0.88×
Transport index
0.92×

Memphis, TN

0.89×
lower cost than Frisco
State
Tennessee
State income tax
None
City local income tax
None
Housing index (est.)
0.50×
Food/groceries index
0.79×
Transport index
0.86×
Salary equivalence — to maintain the same lifestyle moving from Frisco to Memphis
Salary in FriscoEquivalent in MemphisDifference
$50,000$42,400-$7,600 (-15.2%)
$75,000$63,600-$11,400 (-15.2%)
$100,000$84,800-$15,200 (-15.2%)
$150,000$127,100-$22,900 (-15.3%)
$200,000$169,500-$30,500 (-15.3%)
Moving to Memphis? Your Frisco salary stretches further — you can lifestyle up or save the difference.

Frisco vs Memphis: which is more affordable?

On an overall cost-of-living basis, Memphis is 15.2% cheaper than Frisco. That means if you currently spend $5,000/month in Frisco, you'd spend approximately $4,238 for the same lifestyle in Memphis. Or: $100,000 in Frisco$84,762 in Memphis for equivalent purchasing power.

These multipliers are based on Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities and reflect average housing, food, transportation, and services costs. Real personal costs vary by neighborhood (urban core vs suburb), housing choice (rent vs own, apartment vs house), and lifestyle (frequency of dining out, car-dependent vs transit, etc.).

Tax differences

Both Texas and Tennessee have no state income tax — the move doesn't change your state tax burden.

What costs more (and less) in Memphis

Cost of living differences are driven mostly by housing — typically the biggest expense category. Memphis's housing index (0.50×) compared to Frisco's (0.79×) is the dominant factor.

Food, groceries, and transportation typically vary 5–15% between metros — much less than housing. For a couple moving from Frisco to Memphis, expect roughly:

  • Rent / mortgage: -36% lower
  • Groceries: -9% lower
  • Transportation: -7% lower
  • Healthcare, services: roughly proportional to overall index

Things this calculator can't fully capture

  • Quality-of-life: weather, walkability, school quality, crime rates, commute times — not in the index.
  • Career opportunities: a metro with higher cost-of-living often pays correspondingly higher salaries for the same role. See our salary calculator by job and city.
  • Family situation: childcare, school district, eldercare costs vary independently of overall index.
  • Lifestyle preferences: a frugal renter pays less than the index suggests; a property owner in a hot market might pay much more.

Related tools

Frisco Paycheck Calculator — exact take-home in Frisco. Memphis Paycheck Calculator — exact take-home in Memphis. Salary Calculator — hourly ↔ annual conversion. Inflation Calculator — purchasing power over time. Mortgage Calculator — what you can afford.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis more expensive than Frisco?
Memphis is approximately 15.2% cheaper than Frisco on an overall cost-of-living basis. Memphis's multiplier is 0.89× US national vs Frisco's 1.05×.
If I make $100,000 in Frisco, what salary do I need in Memphis to live equivalently?
Roughly $84,762. The ratio of 0.85× means $100K in Frisco corresponds to about $84,762 in Memphis for an equivalent standard of living. Real differences depend on housing, transport, and lifestyle choices.
What about state taxes between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas: no state income tax. Tennessee: no state income tax. State tax structure is similar between these.
Does Memphis have a city income tax?
Memphis has no separate city income tax. Just federal + Tennessee state.
How accurate are these comparisons?
Population-level estimates based on cost-of-living indexes. Actual costs depend on neighborhood (urban core vs suburb), lifestyle (renting vs owning, transport choice, dining out), and family size. For precise budgeting, use BestPlaces, Numbeo, or local rent data alongside these estimates.