Question 1

Is Denver or Memphis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $716/month less than in Denver, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,089/mo in Denver versus $1,274/mo in Memphis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Denver vs Memphis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $84,500/year before tax in Denver, CO and $65,500/year in Memphis, TN — a difference of about $19,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Denver 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 $11,167/month in Denver and $8,376/month in Memphis, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Denver 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	Denver54	Memphis53
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,499	$3,783
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$11,167	$8,376
Salary for comfort	$84,500/yr	$65,500/yr
Typical rent	$2,089	$1,274
Median home value	$586,700	$157,100
Median household income	$91,681	$51,211
Unemployment	4.1%	5.6%
Housing score	30	65
Jobs score	44	14
Safety score	35	4
Climate score	74	100
Amenities score	64	47
Population	713.7K	629.1K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 17°	92° / 33°

Denver, CO vs Memphis, TN