Memphis vs Dayton for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
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Estimated annual swing
+$1,908/yr
Favoring Memphis for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $159/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~95 months and still keep ~$19/mo for dining out.
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High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while rates are high
Even $159/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Memphis resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Supplemental health
Memphis's lower taxes leave ~$2,028/yr more for healthcare
Health coverage varies by state. Review Medigap plans available in your new zip before moving.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Memphis Tennessee | Dayton Ohio | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,100Better | $1,100 | — |
| Median home price | $200KBetter | $200K | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 3.5% | $2,625/yr saves in Memphis |
| Sales tax (combined) | 9.8% | 7.2%Better | — |
| Monthly utilities | $170 | $162Better | — |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 94Better | 95 | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $415Better | $415 | — |
| Walk score (0–100) | 31 / 100 | 44 / 100Better | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Better | 83 | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Retirement tax savings
Memphis saves ~$146/mo on a $50K retirement income
Keep more of your fixed income. Park the tax savings in a high-yield account to let it compound.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Dayton
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Dayton homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Memphis or Dayton?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Memphis scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $200K in Memphis vs $200K in Dayton. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Memphis or Dayton?
Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals are not subject to state tax. Ohio has a 3.5% state income tax rate. For retirees, this difference can save thousands annually.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Memphis vs Dayton?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $415 in Memphis and $415 in Dayton. That's a difference of ~$0/month, or ~$0/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Memphis on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Memphis, rent alone would consume approximately 26% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,100/mo) and healthcare another ~10%. That leaves roughly 64% (~$2,667/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Dayton has a higher walk score (44 vs 31 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Dayton offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Memphis has the same purchasing power as $50K/year in Dayton
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026