Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 92.2 in Memphis, TN in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 17.5% more expensive than Memphis; housing rents differ by 86% (148.4 vs 79.8). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $63,856 buys in Memphis, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Memphis | Boston vs Memphis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 92.2 | +17.5% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 96.2 | +3.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 79.8 | +86.0% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 74.1 | +100.8% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 95.4 | +8.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 94.2 | +14.4% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Memphis | $42,571 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Memphis | $85,141 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Memphis | $127,712 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.