Question 1

Is Atlanta or Memphis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $604/month less than in Atlanta, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,820/mo in Atlanta versus $1,274/mo in Memphis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Atlanta vs Memphis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $83,000/year before tax in Atlanta, GA and $65,500/year in Memphis, TN — a difference of about $17,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Atlanta or Memphis cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,218/month in Atlanta and $8,376/month in Memphis, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Atlanta or Memphis?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Memphis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Atlanta66	Memphis53
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,387	$3,783
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,218	$8,376
Salary for comfort	$83,000/yr	$65,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,820	$1,274
Median home value	$420,600	$157,100
Median household income	$81,938	$51,211
Unemployment	3.7%	5.6%
Housing score	47	65
Jobs score	86	14
Safety score	26	4
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	68	47
Population	499.3K	629.1K
Summer high / winter low	90° / 33°	92° / 33°

Atlanta, GA vs Memphis, TN