Moving from Athens to Memphis (2026)
Memphis has a COL index of 83 vs 55 for Athens (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 51% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$163 more/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
55 → 83
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$700 → $1,100
per month
State tax
9% → None
income tax
COL difference
55 → 83
51% more expensive
Salary needed in Memphis to match your Athens lifestyle
Based on the 51% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Athens | Equivalent in Memphis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $60,364 |
| $50K | $75,455 |
| $60K | $90,545 |
| $75K | $113,182 |
| $80K | $120,727 |
| $100K | $150,909 |
| $120K | $181,091 |
| $150K | $226,364 |
Adjust your salary
Pay ~$387/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Athens vs Memphis
| Expense | Athens | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,178 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $700 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $380 | $357 |
| Transport | $150 | $55 |
| Utilities | $90 | $170 |
| Internet | $30 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $2,828 | $3,004 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis cheaper than Athens?
No. Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 vs 55 for Athens (100 = US average). That's about 51% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Athens to Memphis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Athens to Memphis saves roughly $163/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,956/year.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Athens lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Athens, you'd need roughly $113,182/year in Memphis. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Memphis to AthensAthens vs Memphis — full comparisonAthens cost of livingMemphis cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only