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Wondering what it really costs to live in Memphis? The cost of living index for Memphis is 79 — where 100 equals the national average. That means living in Memphis costs significantly more affordable than the national average (index: 79). Use this calculator to compare Memphis to another city or to find out what salary you'd need to maintain your current lifestyle after a move.
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Cost of Living Comparison

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100 = U.S. national average
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Memphis Tip: With a cost of living index of 79, Memphis is one of the more affordable metros in the U.S.. If you're relocating to Memphis from a city with a different index, the equivalent salary calculator above can show you how much more or less you'd need to earn to maintain the same standard of living.

Cost of Living in Memphis, TN

The cost of living index compares cities relative to a national baseline of 100. Use the calculator above to find the equivalent salary you'd need in Memphis to maintain your current standard of living — or to see how much further your paycheck would go if you're moving to Memphis from a more expensive city.

What Drives Memphis's Cost of Living?

Housing is the largest cost-of-living variable across U.S. cities. Memphis's housing costs, combined with utilities, transportation, groceries, and healthcare, determine its total cost index. The calculator above uses the index pre-filled for Memphis — you can adjust it if you have updated data.

How to Use the Equivalent Salary Calculator

Enter your current city's index (or use 100 for the national average), set Memphis's index, and enter your current salary. The calculator returns the salary that gives you equivalent purchasing power in Memphis. If the number is lower than your current salary, Memphis is more affordable. If it's higher, you'd need a raise to maintain your lifestyle.

Other Cost Factors in Memphis

Beyond housing, consider state income tax rates in TN, local sales tax, commute costs, childcare, and health insurance premiums. These vary significantly from city to city and can substantially shift your real cost of living beyond what any single index captures.