Moving from Durham to Memphis (2026)
Memphis has a COL index of 83 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$684/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10283
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,100
per month
State tax
4.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Memphis to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Memphis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,549 |
| $50K | $40,686 |
| $60K | $48,824 |
| $75K | $61,029 |
| $80K | $65,098 |
| $100K | $81,373 |
| $120K | $97,647 |
| $150K | $122,059 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Memphis
| Expense | Durham | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $372 | $357 |
| Transport | $82 | $55 |
| Utilities | $155 | $170 |
| Internet | $62 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $3,004 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Memphis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Memphis could save roughly $684/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,208/year.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $61,029/year in Memphis. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Memphis to DurhamDurham vs Memphis — full comparisonDurham 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