Memphis vs Evansville for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Memphis, TN vs Evansville, IN.
- 2BR rent: $1,300/mo in Evansville vs $1,400/mo — 7% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Evansville: $185K median vs $200K
- Higher median household income in Evansville: $48K/yr vs $42K
- Memphis has no state income tax — more take-home for family expenses
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Memphis Tennessee | Evansville Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $1,400 | $1,300Better |
| Median home price | $200K | $185KBetter |
| Median household income | $42K | $48KBetter |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,079 | $1,040Better |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 3.2% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 9.8% | 7%Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Memphis or Evansville?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Evansville scores slightly better for families overall. Evansville has lower 2-bedroom rents, Evansville is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Memphis vs Evansville?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,400/month in Memphis and $1,300/month in Evansville. Evansville is 7% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Memphis or Evansville?
The price-to-income ratio in Memphis is 4.8× ($200K home, $42K income) vs 3.9× in Evansville. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Evansville is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Memphis vs Evansville?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,079/month in Memphis and $1,040/month in Evansville. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Memphis (Tennessee) has no state income tax vs Evansville's 3.2% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $192+/month in take-home.
Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026
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