Moving from Chattanooga to Memphis (2026)
Memphis has a COL index of 83 vs 86 for Chattanooga (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Memphis to match your Chattanooga lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chattanooga | Equivalent in Memphis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,605 |
| $50K | $48,256 |
| $60K | $57,907 |
| $75K | $72,384 |
| $80K | $77,209 |
| $100K | $96,512 |
| $120K | $115,814 |
| $150K | $144,767 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Chattanooga vs Memphis
| Expense | Chattanooga | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $357 | $357 |
| Transport | $45 | $55 |
| Utilities | $165 | $170 |
| Internet | $58 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $2,866 | $3,004 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $138 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Chattanooga — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis cheaper than Chattanooga?
Yes. Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 vs 86 for Chattanooga (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Chattanooga to Memphis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chattanooga to Memphis saves roughly $150/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,800/year.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Chattanooga lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chattanooga, you'd need roughly $72,384/year in Memphis. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only