Question 1

Is Memphis or Phoenix cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $641/month less than in Phoenix, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $1,839/mo in Phoenix.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Phoenix?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $60,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $75,500/year in Phoenix, AZ — a difference of about $15,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Phoenix 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 $7,719/month in Phoenix, with rent scaled to household size using each city's own bedroom spread.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Phoenix?

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	Phoenix62
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,530	$4,171
Est. monthly cost (household of 4)	$6,533	$7,719
Salary for comfort	$60,500/yr	$75,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$1,839
Median home value	$157,100	$381,900
Median household income	$51,211	$77,041
Unemployment	4.7%	4.0%
Housing score	68	44
Jobs score	31	37
Safety score	4	45
Climate score	100	72
Amenities score	47	92
Population	629.1K	1.6M
Summer high / winter low	90° / 30°	106° / 46°

Memphis, TN vs Phoenix, AZ