Memphis vs Winston-Salem for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Memphis Tennessee | Winston-Salem North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,100Better | $1,300 |
| Median home price | $200KBetter | $260K |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 4.5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 9.8% | 7%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $170 | $150Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 94Better | 95 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $415Better | $435 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 31 / 100Better | 26 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Better | 87 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Memphis or Winston-Salem?
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 $260K in Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem?
Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals are not subject to state tax. North Carolina has a 4.5% state income tax rate. For retirees, this difference can save thousands annually.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Memphis vs Winston-Salem?
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 Winston-Salem. 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?
Memphis has a higher walk score (31 vs 26 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. Memphis offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Memphis has the same purchasing power as $52K/year in Winston-Salem
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