Can I Afford to Live in Memphis vs Lexington on $100K?
Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Memphis TN | Lexington KY |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,321 | $5,988 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,350 |
| Groceries (est.) | $357 | $365 |
| Transport (est.) | $55 | $60 |
| Utilities | $170 | $158 |
| Internet | $55 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $4,584/month | $3,995/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $100K a good salary in Memphis?
At $100K/year in Memphis, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 17% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $100K a good salary in Lexington?
At $100K/year in Lexington, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,988. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Memphis leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,584/month vs $3,995/month in Lexington.
Can I afford to live alone in Memphis on $100K?
Yes. At $100K in Memphis, rent takes 17% of your take-home, leaving $4,584/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only