Question 1

Is Detroit or Memphis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $295/month less than in Detroit, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,411/mo in Detroit versus $1,274/mo in Memphis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Detroit vs Memphis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $78,500/year before tax in Detroit, MI and $65,500/year in Memphis, TN — a difference of about $13,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Detroit 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 $9,052/month in Detroit and $8,376/month in Memphis, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Detroit 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	Detroit58	Memphis53
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,078	$3,783
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,052	$8,376
Salary for comfort	$78,500/yr	$65,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,411	$1,274
Median home value	$76,800	$157,100
Median household income	$39,575	$51,211
Unemployment	10.7%	5.6%
Housing score	61	65
Jobs score	36	14
Safety score	18	4
Climate score	79	100
Amenities score	82	47
Population	636.6K	629.1K
Summer high / winter low	83° / 20°	92° / 33°

Detroit, MI vs Memphis, TN