Moving from Irvine to Memphis (2026)
Memphis has a COL index of 83 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). You'd pay about 47% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,800/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
15883
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,800$1,100
per month
State tax
9.3%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,159$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Memphis to match your Irvine lifestyle
Based on the 47% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Irvine | Equivalent in Memphis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $21,013 |
| $50K | $26,266 |
| $60K | $31,519 |
| $75K | $39,399 |
| $80K | $42,025 |
| $100K | $52,532 |
| $120K | $63,038 |
| $150K | $78,797 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Irvine vs Memphis
| Expense | Irvine | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $429 | $357 |
| Transport | $90 | $55 |
| Utilities | $148 | $170 |
| Internet | $70 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $622 | $3,004 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis cheaper than Irvine?
Yes. Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). That's about 47% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Irvine to Memphis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Irvine to Memphis could save roughly $1,800/month on core expenses. That's ~$21,600/year.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Irvine lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Irvine, you'd need roughly $39,399/year in Memphis. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Memphis to IrvineIrvine vs Memphis — full comparisonIrvine 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