Memphis vs Des Moines for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Memphis Tennessee | Des Moines Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,100Better | $1,200 |
| Median home price | $200KBetter | $255K |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 5.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 9.8% | 6.9%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $170 | $155Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 94Better | 96 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $415Better | $435 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 31 / 100 | 36 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Better | 87 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Memphis or Des Moines?
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 $255K in Des Moines. Memphis is approximately 5% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Memphis or Des Moines?
Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals are not subject to state tax. Iowa has a 5.7% state income tax rate. For retirees, this difference can save thousands annually.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Memphis vs Des Moines?
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 $435 in Des Moines. That's a difference of ~$20/month, or ~$240/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?
Des Moines has a higher walk score (36 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. Des Moines offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Memphis has the same purchasing power as $52K/year in Des Moines
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