What is the cost of living in Memphis?

The cost of living in Memphis is 49.1% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.9). Groceries are 21.8% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 25.8% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,477 per month. Local purchasing power index is 136.7 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 TN, United States · #132 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Memphis?

Q: Should I move to Memphis?

Memphis, TN, United States has a cost of living 49.1% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.9). It is ranked #132 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 136.7 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

49.1% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-49.1%

vs NYC

USD 1,477

1-BR, city centre

136.7

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Memphis?

Cost breakdown: Memphis

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

50.9 Expensive

Rent

30.2 Very affordable

Groceries

78.2 Above average

Restaurants

74.2 Moderate

Purchasing Power

136.7 Very strong

Rent in Memphis

1-BR, city centre USD 1,477/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,178/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,062/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 1,865/mo

Save by going outside centre 20% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Knoxville

TN, United States

CoL index 53.7

Compare Knoxville vs Memphis →

🇺🇸 Nashville

TN, United States

CoL index 59.9

Compare Nashville vs Memphis →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Memphis after tax, in seconds.

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