Retire Modestly in Memphis, TN (2026)
Small apartment, cook at home, public transit, minimal travel. In Memphis (COL 83), this costs $2,213/month — a $5K less than the US average.
Monthly budget breakdown
Estimated monthly expenses for a modest retirement in Memphis (COL-adjusted from national baseline).
| Category | Monthly | Annual | % of budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $730 | $8,760 | 33% |
| Food | $332 | $3,984 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $310 | $3,720 | 14% |
| Transport | $266 | $3,192 | 12% |
| Leisure | $310 | $3,720 | 14% |
| Misc | $266 | $3,192 | 12% |
| Total | $2,213 | $26,560 | 100% |
How long to save $664K?
Time to reach your nest egg target investing at 7% annual return (S&P 500 historical avg).
| Monthly savings | Years to retire | Retirement age (start 30) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000/mo | 23 yrs | Age 53 |
| $2,000/mo | 16 yrs | Age 46 |
| $3,000/mo | 12 yrs | Age 42 |
| $5,000/mo | 9 yrs | Age 39 |
| $8,000/mo | 6 yrs | Age 36 |
Memphis vs US average — Modest retirement
Other retirement tiers in Memphis
Frequently asked questions
How much does a modest retirement cost in Memphis?
A modest retirement in Memphis costs approximately $26,560/year or $2,213/month — based on a 83 cost-of-living index (US avg = 100). Using the 4% safe withdrawal rule, you need a nest egg of about $664K.
How long will it take to save $664K for retirement in Memphis?
Saving $2,000/month at a 7% average annual return would take roughly 16 years to accumulate $664K. At $3,000/month, it would take about 12 years. These estimates assume consistent investing in a diversified portfolio.
What is the biggest expense in a modest retirement in Memphis?
Housing is the largest expense at roughly 33% of the budget ($730/month). Healthcare ($310/month) is the second-largest category. TN has no state income tax, which reduces your overall tax burden in retirement.
4% safe withdrawal rule · 7% annualized return assumption · COL-adjusted from BLS data · Q1 2026 estimates