Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 92.2 in Memphis, TN in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 7.0% more expensive than Memphis; housing rents differ by 31% (104.5 vs 79.8). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $70,095 buys in Memphis, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | Memphis | Houston vs Memphis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 92.2 | +7.0% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 96.2 | +4.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 79.8 | +31.0% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 74.1 | +28.6% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 95.4 | +0.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 94.2 | +5.6% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in Memphis | $46,730 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in Memphis | $93,460 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in Memphis | $140,191 |
Related
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.