Question 1

Is Baltimore or Memphis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $606/month less than in Baltimore, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,857/mo in Baltimore versus $1,274/mo in Memphis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Baltimore vs Memphis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $87,500/year before tax in Baltimore, MD and $65,500/year in Memphis, TN — a difference of about $22,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Baltimore 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 $10,265/month in Baltimore and $8,376/month in Memphis, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Baltimore 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	Baltimore53	Memphis53
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,389	$3,783
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,265	$8,376
Salary for comfort	$87,500/yr	$65,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,857	$1,274
Median home value	$219,300	$157,100
Median household income	$59,623	$51,211
Unemployment	5.5%	5.6%
Housing score	46	65
Jobs score	40	14
Safety score	27	4
Climate score	99	100
Amenities score	34	47
Population	577.2K	629.1K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 32°	92° / 33°

Baltimore, MD vs Memphis, TN