Moving from Nashville to Memphis (2026)
Memphis has a COL index of 83 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 26% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Memphis to match your Nashville lifestyle
Based on the 26% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Nashville | Equivalent in Memphis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $29,643 |
| $50K | $37,054 |
| $60K | $44,464 |
| $75K | $55,580 |
| $80K | $59,286 |
| $100K | $74,107 |
| $120K | $88,929 |
| $150K | $111,161 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Nashville vs Memphis
| Expense | Nashville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $365 | $357 |
| Transport | $70 | $55 |
| Utilities | $170 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $2,276 | $3,004 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $728 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Nashville — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis cheaper than Nashville?
Yes. Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). That's about 26% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Nashville to Memphis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Nashville to Memphis saves roughly $700/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,400/year.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Nashville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Nashville, you'd need roughly $55,580/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