Can I Afford to Live in Memphis vs Scranton on $60K?

Here's how a $60K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Memphis, TN
$3,793/mo take-home
Rent: $1,100/mo (29% of take-home)
Manageable
Scranton, PA
$3,638/mo take-home
Rent: $1,050/mo (29% of take-home)
Manageable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Memphis
TN
Scranton
PA
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,793Best ✓
$3,638
1BR rent
$1,100
$1,050Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$357Best ✓
$361
Transport (est.)
$55Best ✓
$58
Utilities
$170
$165Best ✓
Internet
$55Best ✓
$62
Left after essentials
$2,056/month
$1,942/month
Memphis (Tennessee) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Scranton (PA rate: 3.1%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $60K a good salary in Memphis?

At $60K/year in Memphis, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,793. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Is $60K a good salary in Scranton?

At $60K/year in Scranton, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,638. With 1BR rent around $1,050/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?

Memphis leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,056/month vs $1,942/month in Scranton.

Can I afford to live alone in Memphis on $60K?

Yes. At $60K in Memphis, rent takes 29% of your take-home, leaving $2,056/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Memphis vs Scranton

$40K$50K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

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