Question 1

Is Memphis or Phoenix cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, TN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $600/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 $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $80,000/year in Phoenix, AZ — a difference of about $14,500. 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. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,376/month in Memphis and $10,297/month in Phoenix, including county-median childcare.

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	Memphis53	Phoenix58
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$4,383
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$10,297
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$80,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$1,839
Median home value	$157,100	$381,900
Median household income	$51,211	$77,041
Unemployment	5.6%	4.7%
Housing score	65	42
Jobs score	14	24
Safety score	4	45
Climate score	100	72
Amenities score	47	92
Population	629.1K	1.6M
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	106° / 46°

Memphis, TN vs Phoenix, AZ