Moving from Cleveland to Memphis (2026)
Memphis has a COL index of 83 vs 85 for Cleveland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$182/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8583
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250$1,100
per month
State tax
3.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,522$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Memphis to match your Cleveland lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Cleveland | Equivalent in Memphis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,059 |
| $50K | $48,824 |
| $60K | $58,588 |
| $75K | $73,235 |
| $80K | $78,118 |
| $100K | $97,647 |
| $120K | $117,176 |
| $150K | $146,471 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Cleveland vs Memphis
| Expense | Cleveland | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,522 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $369 | $357 |
| Transport | $72 | $55 |
| Utilities | $168 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $2,603 | $3,004 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis cheaper than Cleveland?
Yes. Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 vs 85 for Cleveland (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Cleveland to Memphis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Cleveland to Memphis could save roughly $182/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,184/year.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Cleveland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Cleveland, you'd need roughly $73,235/year in Memphis. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Memphis to ClevelandCleveland vs Memphis — full comparisonCleveland cost of livingMemphis cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only