Moving from Knoxville to Memphis (2026)
Memphis has a COL index of 83 vs 87 for Knoxville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Memphis to match your Knoxville lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Knoxville | Equivalent in Memphis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,161 |
| $50K | $47,701 |
| $60K | $57,241 |
| $75K | $71,552 |
| $80K | $76,322 |
| $100K | $95,402 |
| $120K | $114,483 |
| $150K | $143,103 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Knoxville vs Memphis
| Expense | Knoxville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $361 | $357 |
| Transport | $45 | $55 |
| Utilities | $168 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $2,807 | $3,004 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $197 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Knoxville — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis cheaper than Knoxville?
Yes. Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 vs 87 for Knoxville (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Knoxville to Memphis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Knoxville to Memphis saves roughly $200/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,400/year.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Knoxville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Knoxville, you'd need roughly $71,552/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