Cost of Living: Memphis vs South Bend (2026)
South Bend has a 1% lower overall cost of living than Memphis as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,050/mo in South Bend vs $1,100/mo in Memphis — a 5% difference. Memphis has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in South Bend (3.2% rate).
- South Bend is 1% cheaper overall (COL index: 83 vs 82)
- 1BR rent: $1,050/mo in South Bend vs $1,100/mo — 5% savings
- Memphis has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: South Bend ($47,000/yr vs $42,000/yr)
- Median home price: $195,000 in South Bend vs $200,000 — 3% difference
| Category | Memphis Tennessee | South Bend Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900 | $850Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,100 | $1,050Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,400 |
| Median home price | $200K | $195KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 94 | 93Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 | $11Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $48 | $46Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55 | $42Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00Best | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $190 | $140Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $170 | $155Best |
| Internet/mo | $55Best | $58 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $42K | $47KBest |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 3.2% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 9.8% | 7.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $13.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $30Best | $30 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00 | $4.50Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83 | 82Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 31 | 32Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis cheaper than South Bend?
No. South Bend is 1% cheaper than Memphis based on overall cost of living indices (82 vs 83, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Memphis vs South Bend?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Memphis is $1,100/month and in South Bend is $1,050/month. Memphis is more expensive by 5%.
How much do I need to earn in South Bend to match a $75,000 salary in Memphis?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $74,096/year in South Bend to match a $75,000 salary in Memphis. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Memphis or South Bend?
Memphis has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 3.2%. Memphis has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Memphis to South Bend?
It depends on your priorities. South Bend offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
Want to add more cities or compare your own salary?
Use our interactive tool to compare up to 5 cities and see how much of your take-home goes to rent.