Moving from Memphis to Oaxaca (2026)

Oaxaca has a COL index of 32 vs 83 for Memphis (100 = US average). You'd pay about 61% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$700/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
83 โ†’ 32
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,100 โ†’ $400
per month
State tax
None โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
83 โ†’ 32
61% cheaper

Salary needed in Oaxaca to match your Memphis lifestyle

Based on the 61% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in MemphisEquivalent in Oaxaca
$40K$15,422
$50K$19,277
$60K$23,133
$75K$28,916
$80K$30,843
$100K$38,554
$120K$46,265
$150K$57,831

Adjust your salary

Save ~$737/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Memphis vs Oaxaca

ExpenseMemphisOaxaca
Monthly take-home$4,741$4,741
1BR rent$1,100$400
Groceries$357$380
Transport$55$150
Utilities$170$45
Internet$55$25
Left after essentials$3,004$3,741

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $737 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$899,119

over 30 years compared to staying in Memphis โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$737/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Oaxaca cheaper than Memphis?

Yes. Oaxaca has a cost of living index of 32 vs 83 for Memphis (100 = US average). That's about 61% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Memphis to Oaxaca?

On a $75K salary, moving from Memphis to Oaxaca saves roughly $700/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,400/year.

What salary do I need in Oaxaca to match my Memphis lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Memphis, you'd need roughly $28,916/year in Oaxaca. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only