Question 1

Is Memphis or New York cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $2,211/month less than in New York, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $2,910/mo in New York.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs New York?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $60,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $121,000/year in New York, NY — a difference of about $60,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or New York cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, the same answer as for a single person. A four-person household runs about $6,533/month in Memphis and $9,750/month in New York, with rent scaled to household size using each city's own bedroom spread.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or New York?

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	Memphis57	New York41
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,530	$5,741
Est. monthly cost (household of 4)	$6,533	$9,750
Salary for comfort	$60,500/yr	$121,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$2,910
Median home value	$157,100	$751,700
Median household income	$51,211	$79,713
Unemployment	4.7%	5.2%
Housing score	68	3
Jobs score	31	36
Safety score	4	47
Climate score	100	96
Amenities score	47	40
Population	629.1K	8.5M
Summer high / winter low	90° / 30°	86° / 23°

Memphis, TN vs New York, NY