Question 1

Is Houston or Memphis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $263/month less than in Houston, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,573/mo in Houston versus $1,274/mo in Memphis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Houston vs Memphis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $70,500/year before tax in Houston, TX and $65,500/year in Memphis, TN — a difference of about $5,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Houston 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 $9,579/month in Houston and $8,376/month in Memphis, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Houston 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	Houston57	Memphis53
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,046	$3,783
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,579	$8,376
Salary for comfort	$70,500/yr	$65,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,573	$1,274
Median home value	$253,400	$157,100
Median household income	$62,894	$51,211
Unemployment	5.2%	5.6%
Housing score	50	65
Jobs score	36	14
Safety score	4	4
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	69	47
Population	2.3M	629.1K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 45°	92° / 33°

Houston, TX vs Memphis, TN