Can I Afford to Live in Split vs Memphis on $50K?

Here's how a $50K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Split, HR
$2,327/mo take-home
Rent: $700/mo (30% of take-home)
Manageable
Memphis, TN
$3,160/mo take-home
Rent: $1,100/mo (35% of take-home)
Manageable

Monthly budget breakdown

Split
HR
Memphis
TN
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,327
$3,160Best ✓
1BR rent
$700Best ✓
$1,100
Groceries (est.)
$380
$357Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$55Best ✓
Utilities
$80Best ✓
$170
Internet
$25Best ✓
$55
Left after essentials
$992/month
$1,423/month
Memphis (Tennessee) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Split (HR rate: 20%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $50K a good salary in Split?

At $50K/year in Split, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,327. With 1BR rent around $700/month, rent takes up 30% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Is $50K a good salary in Memphis?

At $50K/year in Memphis, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,160. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 35% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Which city is more affordable on a $50K salary?

Memphis leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,423/month vs $992/month in Split.

Can I afford to live alone in Split on $50K?

Yes. At $50K in Split, rent takes 30% of your take-home, leaving $992/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Split vs Memphis

$40K$60K$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